Two U.S. "Raptor" Fighter Jets Collide in Midair and Crash, 4 Pilots Eject and Escape, Pentagon Launches Investigation
[Global Times Comprehensive Report] Reuters reported on the 17th that during an airshow at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, USA, two EA-18G "Growler" electronic attack aircraft collided in mid-air and crashed, with four crew members ejecting to escape. Relevant statistics show that this is the third major crash incident involving the "Growler" in the past three years.
The U.S. aviation website "The Drive" reported on the 17th that at the time of the incident, the two "Growlers" were performing in the airshow, and on-site video showed one "Growler" approaching the other from behind, leading to the collision. "Surprisingly, the two aircraft appeared to be entangled together, spinning as they fell to the ground." The video shows four crew members ejecting, "and the two 'Growlers' crashed to the ground in a ball of flames, with the crew members' parachutes drifting down to the ground." According to a spokesperson for the Mountain Home Air Force Base, the crash caused a fire, which was later brought under control. Local police subsequently announced the cancellation of the entire airshow event and warned the public to avoid going to the base.
The U.S. aviation specialty site "The Aviationist" stated that the Pentagon is currently investigating the cause of the accident. The two "Growlers" involved in the mid-air collision belong to the U.S. Navy's "Vikings" squadron (VAQ-129), which is responsible for training all "Growler" pilots. As the only dedicated electronic attack aircraft in the U.S. Navy, the "Growler" is modified from the "Super Hornet" carrier-based fighter, with 90% of its components shared with the "Super Hornet," retaining air combat capabilities while possessing outstanding electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft features a dual-seat configuration, with the front seat for the pilot and the rear seat for the electronic warfare officer. To showcase the aircraft's performance, the U.S. Navy established a "Growler" demonstration team at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State in 2020, with members and aircraft coming from the "Vikings" squadron.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, the "Growler" electronic attack aircraft has frequently been involved in serious incidents. According to Pentagon regulations, accidents resulting in losses exceeding $2 million or causing casualties are classified as the most serious Class A accidents. On June 6, 2023, three "Growlers" stationed in Japan were struck by lightning while conducting flight training in southern Japan on the same day; although they did not crash, they were classified as Class A incidents.
On October 15, 2024, a "Growler" crashed in the mountainous area east of Mount Rainier while performing a training mission in Washington State, resulting in total destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of two pilots. On February 12, 2025, a "Growler" experienced an incident during routine training, crashing into San Diego Bay in California after a failed landing attempt, with two pilots ejecting to escape and the aircraft being completely destroyed. The causes of these two crash incidents are still under investigation. (Chen Shan)
Two EA-18G Growler aircraft from the U.S. Navy collided in mid-air during a flight demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on October 17, 2023. Four crew members successfully ejected before the aircraft crashed, resulting in a fire that was later controlled. This incident marks the third significant crash involving the Growler in three years, prompting an investigation by the Pentagon.
- Two EA-18G Growler aircraft collided during a flight demonstration in Idaho.
- Four crew members ejected safely from the aircraft.
- The incident resulted in a fire at the crash site, which was later controlled.
- This is the third major crash involving the Growler in three years.
- The Pentagon is investigating the cause of the collision.