Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was placed on lockdown on Sunday after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a local air show, sending the aircraft
crashing to the ground. The incident happened about two miles north-west of the base during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, according to a statement posted by the base on social media. "Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available," the statement said. The base, which is home to the US Air Force's 366th Fighter Wing, known as the "Gunfighters", announced the lockdown at about 12:30 local time. Videos shared online appeared to show two fighter jets colliding in mid-air before spiralling towards the ground in flames. Thick black smoke could be seen rising from the crash site, while four parachutes were visible descending nearby.
BREAKING: Mid-air collision involving Navy Super Hornets/Growlers during Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho; 4 parachutes seen. pic.twitter.com/EuuDAaT6GI
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) May 17, 2026
Another video filmed from the air show grounds showed spectators standing near aircraft hangars as smoke rose in the distance. One witness told NBC News: "I heard someone next to me say 'We are down,' I turned around and saw four parachutes coming down, then black smoke appeared."
The witness said spectators were being kept on the air show grounds following the incident. "The atmosphere is very calm controlled and well managed right now," the witness added, noting that many of those present were military families.
Police in Mountain Home later announced that the remainder of the air show had been cancelled and advised the public to avoid travelling to the base. On Saturday, organisers had posted photographs from the opening day of the event, writing: "From the first takeoff to the final pass, today was packed with unforgettable moments! And we're doing it all again tomorrow."
All four of the crew members from the planes ejected safely, said Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped to plan the air show. Sykes said the crash occurred off base and she did not see the crash but saw the smoke afterward.
Organizers said the popular air show that includes flying demonstrations and parachute jumps is a celebration of aviation history and a look at modern military capabilities. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the show both days.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show is a public aviation event hosted at Mountain Home Air Force Base, located south-east of Boise.
