US Navy Jets Crash in Idaho Airshow

Are airshows becoming safer or were the pilots lucky to survive the incident?
US Navy Jets Crash in Idaho Airshow
Above: A crash during the Gunfighter Skies Airshow in Idaho on May 17. Image credit: Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service/Getty Images

The Spin


Pro-establishment narrative

While this was a difficult day and was not the expected outcome, it is welcomed that all pilots involved are safe. Organizers are also appreciative of the local and state law enforcement and emergency service workers that showed outstanding professionalism, teamwork and care throughout the situation. Behind the scenes, organizers are constantly working to make these events safer, which is reflected in the declining number of incidents in recent years.

Establishment-critical narrative

Fortunately, these pilots walked away with their lives as there is very little room for error and mid-air collisions such as these frequently end with fatalities. While these operators are the best in the world, it does appear that pilot error is to blame here. They are lucky that the planes came together in the way that they did. Otherwise, we'd be talking about a situation with a much more tragic ending.


Metaculus Prediction

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.13.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.13.0