How did all four US Navy pilots survive horrific midair fighter jet crash? What led to the collision?

Four crew members of two Navy jets that collided midair and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho ejected safely from the aircraft, authorities and base officials confirmed on Sunday (May 17). "We had four good parachutes,” an air show announcer said according to the Idaho Statesman report.

Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers collided midair while performing an aerial demonstration at the air show. They were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington. The crash occurred at about 12:10 p.m. local time. Social media videos showed two fighter jets spinning toward the ground in a fiery crash and releasing black plumes of smoke.

The base said in a statement that the incident remains under investigation., while adding: "All four of the air crew successfully ejected and they are being evaluated by medical personnel. First responders are on the scene." The air show canceled on after the collision.

The 366th Fighter Wing in April announced that the Gunfighter Skies Air Show was scheduled for May 16 to May 17. The 366th Fighter Wing is stationed at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, about 50 miles south of Boise, Idaho. According to the news release, the event included aerial performances, various static displays, and exhibits that focused on history and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It was held eight years ago.

The Idaho Statesman, which covers military news, reported that in 2018, a hang glider pilot died in an accident during the event. In 2003, a Thunderbird crashed during the air show, but the pilot was able to eject.