An in-air crash happened Sunday at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Mountain Home. All four of the air crew successfully ejected from the planes and are in "stable condition," according to the Mountain Home Air Force Base Gunfighters.
One member of the air crew is being treated for "non-life threatening injury" at a local hospital, according to a news release. The other three were uninjured.
The incident happened two miles northwest of the base. A news release from the 366th Fighter Wing said two U.S. Navy EA-18 G aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration when they collided just after 12 p.m. MT.
"First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today's incident is safe. The extraordinary professionalism of our emergency response teams, including the city and county, allowed for quick response to the aircrew as well as securing the scene to ensure the safety of our guests, performers and community. And to all of our guests here today, I can't tell you how much we appreciated your patience, trust and support."Col. David R. Gunter, Wing Commander, 366th Fighter Wing
The crash started a fire, and visitors saw plumes of black smoke. The brush fire required limited evacuations, according to Idaho State Police.
The base was locked down after the crash and just before 3 p.m. MT, the air base posted directions for guests to leave the base.
Idaho State Police assisted with road closures after the crash. State Highway 67 was closed for about three and a half hours for emergency responders and evacuations. Traffic onto Mountain Home AFB using the main gate is no longer affected, according to a news release.
"Today's incident showed the incredible coordination and professionalism of the people who serve and protect our community every day. We are grateful that all four aircrew members safely ejected and that no additional injuries have been reported.
On behalf of the City of Mountain Home, I want to thank Mountain Home Air Force Base personnel, the Elmore County Sheriff's Office, Idaho State Police, the Mountain Home Police Department, the Mountain Home Fire Department, the Mountain Home Rural Fire Department, Elmore County Search and Rescue, EMS personnel, the City of Mountain Home Streets Department, and all responding agencies for their swift action and commitment to public safety during a time when every second mattered."Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes
State Highway 167 was shut down and will remain closed until further notice for the investigation into the accident. ISP said the closure is between the Contractors Gate and Easy Street, and there will be no public access between State Highway 67 and Simco Road.
The air show area remained open until 4 p.m. MT for STEM, munitions demos and static displays. The Thunderbirds also did a meet and greet and autograph signing.
