Four crew members of U.S. military aircraft safely ejected after two planes collided midair during a demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on Sunday (17). The accident occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time and canceled the remainder of the event. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"She said the four crew members from both jets safely ejected and were being evaluated by medical personnel."
"os aviões se chocaram enquanto realizavam uma demonstração aérea por volta das 12h10, no horário local."
According to Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for U.S. Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet, the two EA-18G Growler aircraft — each valued at about $67 million — belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based at Whidbey Island, Washington. All four crew members were evaluated by medical personnel after rescue. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"The collision involved two US navy EA-18G Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington, said Cmdr Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet."
"Segundo a Fox News, cada uma das aeronaves custa cerca de 67 milhões de dólares, ou R$ 339 milhões."
The collision occurred about three kilometers from the air base, located approximately 80 kilometers south of Boise. Videos circulating on social media show the moment of collision and four parachutes opening after ejection, followed by the aircraft falling and exploding on the ground. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A colisão foi registrada a cerca de três quilômetros da Base Aérea de Mountain Home, localizada aproximadamente 80 quilômetros ao sul da cidade de Boise."
The base was locked down at 12:30 p.m. local time to allow emergency crews to work, and air show visitors were released around 3 p.m. The Gunfighter Skies was returning after an eight-year hiatus, according to local authorities. The incident remains under investigation. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"The base announced a lockdown at 12:30 p.m. local time. Later, as emergency personnel responded, guests were asked to remain on the base so the crews could work freely before they were eventually allowed to leave around 3 p.m."
"O grupo fazia parte das atrações programadas para o show aéreo, que voltava a ser realizado após oito anos de interrupção."
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Conflicting versions (1)
Precise location of accident relative to base
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What was the technical cause of the collision between the aircraft?
Why it's still unknown: Military authorities only stated that the incident is under investigation, without releasing preliminary details about the circumstances of the collision.
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What is the specific health condition of the four crew members?
Why it's still unknown: Reports only indicate they were 'evaluated by medical personnel' and received 'first aid', without detailing injuries or medical condition.
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What safety procedures were in place for aerial demonstrations at the event?
Why it's still unknown: No source detailed the specific safety protocols of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show or how this type of accident is prevented in military demonstrations.