Four U.S. Navy crew members ejected safely after two jets collided during an air show in Idaho, officials confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, where the Navy's Blue Angels demonstration team was performing. Both aircraft were F/A-18 Super Hornets, and all four aviators parachuted to safety with minor injuries reported. The crash prompted an immediate suspension of the air show, and an investigation has been launched by the U.S. Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses described seeing the two jets merge in a mid-air collision during a formation maneuver. Debris scattered over a wide area, but no injuries were reported on the ground. Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, and the pilots were transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at upcoming shows, but their participation remains uncertain pending the investigation.
Safety Protocols and Response
The Navy emphasized that safety protocols were followed, and the ejection systems performed as designed. The incident highlights the risks associated with high-performance aerial demonstrations. The base commander expressed gratitude that all crew members survived and thanked first responders for their swift action.
This is the second accident involving the Blue Angels in recent years, following a 2020 crash that killed a pilot. The Navy has not yet determined if the team will resume performances this season.
