2 fighter jets collide during US airshow, all 4 pilots eject safely

Two fighter jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration in Idaho, United States.

The incident occurred on May 17 at an air show at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, Associated Press reported.

According to officials, all four crew members aboard the jets ejected safely.

Collision

In video footage circulating online, the two U.S. Navy jets appeared to have failed to maintain formation when attempting an aerial manoeuvre.

The two aircraft appeared to make contact and then spun in tandem.

Both planes were stuck and plummeted to the ground together, causing an explosion upon impact.

Four parachutes could be seen being deployed as the planes fell.

The base was locked down immediately following the crash.

The remainder of the air show was cancelled.

Error

All crews ejecting following a midair collision is uncommon, according to aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti.

“It appears to be a pilot issue to me. It doesn’t look like it was a mechanical malfunction,” Guzzetti said.

He also added that such aerial demonstrations are challenging, and “it has to be done just right to prevent exactly this kind of thing”.

According to the National Weather Service, good visibility and winds gusting up to 47 km/h were reported around the time of the crash.

Organisers said the air show included flying demonstrations and parachute jumps, as a celebration of aviation history and a look at modern military capabilities.

Jets

The jets involved were two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington.

Manufactured by Boeing, the EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet equipped with electronic warfare systems.

Northrop Grumman primarily provides the EA-18G Growler’s electronic warfare capability.

The U.S. Navy will lead the investigation into the collision.

Investigations are ongoing.