A collision during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho led to a mid-air crash, creating a large plume of black smoke visible in the sky. Witnesses observed four parachutes descending after the incident, which occurred around two miles northwest of the base.
Videos shared online captured the moment of impact between the two aircraft before the parachutes were seen in the air. Emergency crews quickly responded to the crash site, located shortly after 12:30pm local time.
Antwain Hanks, the base spokesperson, confirmed the crash to the Idaho Statesman. An air show announcer revealed that the crews aboard the aircraft successfully ejected, ensuring the deployment of four parachutes. The announcer reassured the crowd that the crews landed safely about a mile south of the smoke.
Following the crash, fire rescue teams and other emergency services were dispatched to assist the pilots and crew members. A subsequent announcement emphasized the positive outcome of the parachutes deploying successfully and requested prayers for those involved.
Witnesses described seeing sparks in the air, followed by smoke once the parachutes were visible. Mountain Home Gunfighters, in a Facebook statement, acknowledged the incident and stated that emergency responders were on the scene conducting an investigation for further details.
The air show crash occurred during the Gunfighter Skies event, the first in eight years. The previous show in 2018 tragically resulted in the death of a hang glider pilot in an accident.
