2 Navy EA-18G Jets Collide at Idaho Air Show, Forcing Evacuations After Brush Fire
Updated
Updated · Boise State Public Radio · May 18
2 Navy EA-18G Jets Collide at Idaho Air Show, Forcing Evacuations After Brush Fire
37 articles · Updated · Boise State Public Radio · May 18
Four crew members ejected after two U.S. Navy EA-18G aircraft collided just after 12 p.m. MT during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base.
One crewmember was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the other three were unhurt and all four were reported in stable condition.
The crash sparked a brush fire about 2 miles northwest of the base, prompting limited evacuations, a base lockdown and road closures as black smoke rose over the area.
State Highway 67 was shut for about 3.5 hours, and State Highway 167 remained closed for the investigation between the Contractors Gate and Easy Street.
Even as investigators began work, the air show grounds stayed open until 4 p.m. for static displays and other activities, including a Thunderbirds meet-and-greet.
After another major incident, should the Gunfighter Skies air show be permanently grounded for public safety?
With winds pushing safety limits, was the decision to fly a preventable error that led to the collision?