Aviation Daily Brief - May 18, 2026

Mid-Air Collision at Idaho Airshow

• Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Mountain Home, Idaho, on May 17.
• All four crew members ejected safely; no injuries reported.
• The airshow was canceled, and the base was placed under lockdown.
• Investigation into the incident is underway; both aircraft suffered material loss.
• Updates on May 18 confirmed pilots are in stable condition.

Runway Excursion in Croatia

• An Airbus A220-300 operated by Croatia Airlines skidded off the runway during an aborted takeoff at Split Airport on May 17.
• The aircraft veered left, striking lights and markers, resulting in visible smoke.
• All passengers and crew evacuated safely; no injuries reported.

Flight Diversion Due to Passenger Incident

• A Qantas flight was diverted to Tahiti after a drunk passenger bit a crew member, causing significant disruption.
• The incident occurred on May 17, with updates continuing into May 18.

Aircraft Safety Concerns

• A loose wing component was spotted on a Boeing 737, leading to its removal from service on May 17.

Protests in Bolivia

• Indigenous Bolivians occupied an airport, blocking access in protest against U.S. threats to Evo Morales on May 17.

Policy Changes at Southwest Airlines

• Southwest Airlines has banned humanoid robots from flights following a viral incident involving a passenger bringing one aboard.
• The ban was reported on May 18.