CRIME & LAW

Military jets collide midair at Idaho airshow; base locks down

PUBLISHED May 17, 2026, 4:20 PM ET

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Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Mountain Home, Idaho. During the second day of the Gunfighter Skies air show on Sunday, two military jets reportedly collided in midair over Mountain Home Air Force Base at about 12:30 p.m. local time; base officials announced a lockdown, emergency crews responded to the scene, and organizers canceled the remainder of the event. Eyewitness video and announcer statements indicated four crew members ejected and four parachutes were observed drifting to the ground while black smoke rose from the crash area; investigators and emergency responders reached the scene, and the base said an investigation is underway with updates to follow this week.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Gunfighter Skies air show held at Mountain Home AFB, headlined by the Thunderbirds.
Around 12:30 p.m. local time, base social posts reported an 'aircraft incident' and lockdown.
Eyewitnesses and videos posted online showed two jets colliding and four parachutes descending.
Emergency crews and a base helicopter responded; black smoke was reported at the scene.
Officials canceled the remainder of the air show and announced an investigation is underway.

News Intelligence

This incident could impact local community safety and travel. With the base on lockdown, nearby roads may be closed. If you live near Mountain Home AFB, stay aware of traffic updates. Check with officials before planning any visits to the base this week.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

Emergency response teams and investigators benefited by enacting protocols and rapidly deploying resources during the incident, allowing for immediate rescue efforts and the initiation of an official safety review.

Who Impacted

Attendees and organizers suffered the abrupt cancellation of the event and operational disruption as the base entered lockdown; aircrew involved faced life-threatening peril but were reported to have ejected using parachutes.

Media Bias