Salem: A small business jet crashed into water after skidding off the runway in Oregon on Monday morning.
The incident occurred at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport near North Bend around 6 a.m. local time.
The HA-420 HondaJet had departed from St. George, Utah, and was preparing to land when trouble struck.
It slid off the runway and ended up in water about 100 feet beyond the pavement’s edge.
Five individuals, including the pilot, were onboard the aircraft when the crash occurred.
Minor Injuries
All five people suffered minor injuries during the runway accident, officials confirmed.
They were transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance for evaluation and care.
No fatalities occurred, and everyone is expected to fully recover from their injuries.
The airport released a statement confirming the injuries and the aircraft involved in the crash.
Emergency crews responded quickly and assisted in removing the passengers from the jet.
Airport Details
The accident happened at an hour when the airport’s control tower was not staffed.
Instead, air traffic controllers from another location monitored the incoming jet.
The pilot never radioed to confirm landing, which caused immediate concern.
The aircraft had been cleared for landing using radio signals that guide planes to the runway.
Controllers noticed no contact after touchdown and reached out to the local airport.
Radio Confusion
The radio audio was recorded by LiveATC.net, offering a glimpse into the communication.
“Just want to make sure they are on the ground,” one controller said with concern.
A local airport worker replied, “I don’t see them on the ramp at all.”
He added he had heard the plane earlier but saw no sign of arrival.
This response triggered more urgency in locating the jet’s final position.
Investigation Begins
Shortly afterward, it was discovered the plane had crashed into water just beyond the runway.
The aircraft remained intact but partially submerged in the shallow water area.
The airport called in a salvage company to remove the jet safely and quickly.
By 10:30 a.m., the aircraft was recovered and the airport reopened to regular traffic.
Flight schedules resumed normally following the temporary closure of the runway.
Jet Background
The HA-420 HondaJet is a small twin-engine business aircraft built by Honda Aircraft Company.
It is popular for corporate travel and can carry up to six passengers comfortably.
The plane involved had no known mechanical issues before takeoff in Utah.
Authorities will now examine the aircraft’s systems as part of their investigation.
Flight data and cockpit recordings will be analyzed for more insights.
FAA Response
The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation shortly after the crash was reported.
They aim to determine what caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway that morning.
The pilot’s decisions and weather conditions will also be under review.
So far, there’s been no statement from the aircraft’s owner or pilot.
Updates from the FAA will follow after evidence is reviewed and findings are confirmed.
Safety Measures
Accidents like this raise questions about runway safety and air traffic communication.
Unstaffed towers can sometimes create delays in emergency response and situational awareness.
However, the quick response helped prevent more serious injuries or a worse outcome.
Local authorities praised the coordinated rescue effort and response time by airport workers.
They assured the public that the airport remains safe for all travelers.
