Crews ‘able to eject’ during crash at Idaho air show; rescue crews respond

MOUNTAIN HOME (Idaho Statesman) — Rescue crews responded Sunday to a crash during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Four parachutes were seen in the sky near the crash scene. A plume of black smoke rose from the ground in the area.

There were no parachute performers scheduled Sunday because of the wind.

“We had four good parachutes,” an air show announcer told the crowd. “The crews were able to eject. They’re located one mile south of where the smoke is. The parachutes came down.”

A follow-up announcement provided more detail: “Crash fire rescue and various other emergency services are on their way to the pilots and crew. There were four good parachutes. That is always a positive in our world. If you are so inclined to take the time now to say a prayer.”

One Idaho Statesman reporter in attendance saw what appeared to be sparks in the sky, followed by a plume of smoke and the parachutes.

The emergency response from the base included a helicopter sent to the scene.

This was the first time Gunfighter Skies had been held in eight years. A hang glider pilot died in an accident at that 2018 event.

This is a developing story and will be updated.