Key Takeaways
• On April 7, 2025, a HondaJet HA-420 skidded off Southwest Oregon Regional Airport’s wet runway into shallow water.
• NTSB’s May 14, 2025 preliminary report cites reduced braking on wet runway with no mechanical failures detected.
• HondaJet lacks thrust reversers and spoilers, increasing runway excursion risk; pilot training initiatives underway.
In-Depth Report: NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on HondaJet Runway Excursion at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
A routine landing turned into a serious incident at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend, Oregon 🇺🇸, when a HondaJet HA-420 skidded off the runway and ended up in shallow water. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on May 14, 2025, shedding light on what happened, why it matters, and what comes next for pilots, passengers, and airport officials.
What Happened: The Incident at a Glance
On April 7, 2025, at 6:06 a.m. PDT, a HondaJet HA-420, registered to Andy Leavitt Enterprises, was completing a flight from St. George, Utah, to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. The aircraft attempted to land on Runway 5/23, which is 5,980 feet long and 150 feet wide. Weather conditions were challenging: the runway was wet from recent heavy rainfall, there was a crosswind of 9 knots, the temperature was 11°C, and visibility was limited due to darkness.
As the jet touched down near the expected touchdown zone, it was traveling slightly above the calculated reference speed (VREF). Initial braking was normal, but halfway down the runway, the pilot noticed a significant loss of braking effectiveness. Despite applying maximum braking, the aircraft could not stop. The pilot steered right to avoid a localizer antenna, and the jet left the paved surface, crossed a grassy area, and went down a 15-foot embankment into shallow water in Coos Bay, about 100 feet beyond the runway.
On board were five people: the pilot and four passengers. One passenger suffered serious injuries, while the others, including the pilot, had minor injuries. All occupants managed to exit the aircraft without assistance and were taken to Bay Area Hospital. Everyone was released within two days.
Immediate Response and Airport Operations
Emergency personnel responded quickly. Rescue teams arrived at the scene, helped the occupants, and transported them to the hospital. The main runway at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport was closed temporarily, but another runway remained open, so general aviation traffic was not significantly affected.
Removing the aircraft from the water was a complex operation. The NTSB authorized the removal, and a barge-mounted crane was used to lift the HondaJet out of Coos Bay. The main runway reopened soon after, minimizing disruption to airport operations.
According to the Coos County Airport District, the airport’s quick response and coordination with federal investigators helped restore normal operations efficiently.
NTSB Preliminary Findings: What the Report Reveals
The NTSB’s preliminary report, released on May 14, 2025, provides important details about the incident:
- Approach and Landing: The approach was routine, and the aircraft touched down near the expected zone at a speed just above VREF.
- Braking: Initial braking was normal, but effectiveness dropped halfway down the runway.
- Runway Conditions: The runway was wet, and the required landing distance for the 9,000-pound aircraft was about 5,910 feet—almost the full length of the runway.
- Aircraft Features: The HondaJet HA-420 does not have thrust reversers or spoilers, which are devices that help slow down an aircraft after landing. The speed brake was deployed, but it was not enough to stop the jet on the wet surface.
- Pilot Actions: The pilot applied maximum braking and steered right to avoid hitting a localizer antenna before the aircraft left the runway.
No system warnings or mechanical failures were detected during the landing. The NTSB is continuing its investigation, including further examination of the aircraft’s braking system and other components.
For the official NTSB report and updates, visit the NTSB website.
Why This Matters: Safety, Training, and Aircraft Design
A Pattern of Runway Excursions
The HondaJet HA-420 has been involved in a notable number of runway excursions. According to the Aviation Safety Network, there have been 35 incidents or accidents involving HondaJets since 2015, with 29 being runway excursions. This pattern has raised concerns among pilots, owners, and aviation safety experts.
Aircraft Design Under Scrutiny
Several design features of the HondaJet are now under review:
- No Thrust Reversers or Spoilers: These devices help slow down aircraft, especially on wet or slippery runways. Their absence means pilots must rely more on wheel brakes, which are less effective in poor conditions.
- Small Wheels and High Landing Speeds: The HondaJet’s relatively small wheels and higher landing speeds can make it harder to stop quickly, especially on wet runways.
- Recent Upgrades: The aircraft involved had recently received software and performance upgrades for wet and contaminated runway operations, matching the HondaJet ELITE S configuration. However, these enhancements did not prevent the incident.
Aviation journalists and safety advocates point out that these design factors may contribute to the higher rate of runway excursions for this aircraft model.
Pilot Training: A Key Focus
The HondaJet Owners and Operators Association has responded by emphasizing the need for improved pilot training. They are promoting new training programs focused on:
- Wet and Contaminated Runway Operations: Teaching pilots how to handle landings in challenging weather and runway conditions.
- Emergency Procedures: Ensuring pilots are prepared to respond quickly if braking effectiveness is lost.
- Aircraft Limitations: Helping pilots understand the specific limitations of the HondaJet, especially regarding braking and deceleration.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, enhanced training is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Step-by-Step: How the Incident Was Handled
- Incident Occurrence: The HondaJet skidded off the runway during landing.
- Emergency Response: Rescue teams arrived quickly, and all occupants evacuated the aircraft without help.
- Medical Care: All five people were taken to Bay Area Hospital; one had serious injuries, four had minor injuries. All were released within two days.
- Airport Closure: The main runway was closed temporarily, but another runway stayed open for general aviation.
- Aircraft Removal: The NTSB authorized the use of a barge-mounted crane to remove the jet from the water.
- Investigation: The NTSB began its investigation, examining the runway, the aircraft’s braking system, and flight data.
- Ongoing Analysis: Aircraft components were removed for further testing, and the final report is pending.
Stakeholder Perspectives: What Key Groups Are Saying
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB is leading the investigation and released the preliminary findings on May 14, 2025. The agency will continue to analyze the aircraft’s systems and may issue recommendations once the final report is complete.
Coos County Airport District
Airport officials coordinated the emergency response and aircraft removal. They confirmed that the main runway was reopened quickly and that general aviation traffic was not disrupted.
HondaJet Owners and Operators Association
The association expressed concern over the trend of runway excursions involving HondaJets. They are actively promoting enhanced pilot training and may advocate for design reviews if the investigation suggests changes are needed.
Aviation Safety Experts
Experts are watching closely to see if the NTSB recommends changes to aircraft design, pilot training, or airport operations. The focus is on preventing similar incidents, especially given the HondaJet’s history of runway excursions.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
No Immediate Policy Changes
As of May 22, 2025, there have been no announced regulatory or operational policy changes at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport as a direct result of this incident. However, the investigation’s outcome could lead to new recommendations.
Pilot Training Initiatives
The HondaJet owners’ group is expected to roll out new training programs soon, focusing on:
- Handling wet and contaminated runways
- Emergency braking procedures
- Understanding aircraft limitations
Aircraft Design Considerations
Depending on the NTSB’s final findings, there may be calls for:
- Adding thrust reversers or spoilers to future HondaJet models
- Retrofitting existing aircraft with improved braking systems
- Reviewing landing performance data for wet and contaminated runways
Airport Operations
The incident highlighted the importance of:
- Rapid response and coordination for aircraft removal
- Keeping alternative runways open to minimize disruption
- Ongoing infrastructure improvements to support safety and increased traffic
Background: Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and HondaJet History
About Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport serves the North Bend and Coos Bay area. It has two runways and has recently completed infrastructure improvements, including apron expansion and better traffic flow. The airport is an important hub for general aviation and commercial flights in the region.
For more information about airport operations and updates, visit the Coos County Airport District website.
HondaJet Runway Excursions: A Growing Concern
The HondaJet’s history of runway excursions has led to increased scrutiny from regulators, pilots, and owners. The trend has prompted calls for:
- Enhanced pilot training
- Possible design reviews or modifications
- Closer monitoring of landing performance, especially in challenging conditions
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Safety and Operations
NTSB Final Report
The NTSB’s final report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the incident. It may include recommendations for:
- Operational changes at airports
- Aircraft design modifications
- New pilot training requirements
Pilot Training Programs
The HondaJet owners’ group is expected to introduce new training initiatives soon. These programs will focus on:
- Wet and contaminated runway operations
- Emergency response procedures
- Understanding and respecting aircraft limitations
Potential Design Reviews
If the investigation finds that design factors contributed to the incident, there may be calls for:
- Adding new safety features to HondaJets
- Retrofitting existing aircraft
- Updating performance data and pilot guidance
Airport Infrastructure Improvements
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport will continue to invest in infrastructure to support safety and increased traffic. Future improvements may include:
- Enhanced runway surfaces and drainage
- Upgraded lighting and signage
- Improved emergency response capabilities
Practical Guidance for Pilots, Passengers, and Airport Officials
For Pilots:
- Stay updated on training programs focused on wet and contaminated runway operations.
- Review your aircraft’s limitations and emergency procedures regularly.
- Report any issues with braking or deceleration to maintenance and regulatory authorities.
For Passengers:
- Trust that airports and airlines prioritize safety and respond quickly to incidents.
- If you have concerns about aircraft safety or emergency procedures, ask your airline or pilot for information.
For Airport Officials:
- Maintain clear communication with emergency responders and federal investigators.
- Keep alternative runways open when possible to minimize disruption.
- Invest in infrastructure improvements that support safety and efficient operations.
Official Resources and Where to Find More Information
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): www.ntsb.gov – For official reports and ongoing updates about the investigation.
- Coos County Airport District: www.cooscountyairportdistrict.com – For airport operations, incident updates, and contact information.
- HondaJet Owners and Pilots Association: For training resources and safety initiatives.
For additional analysis and updates on aviation safety and immigration-related travel issues, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed through official sources is the best way to ensure safe and successful journeys.
Takeaway:
The runway excursion at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport highlights the importance of pilot training, aircraft design, and rapid emergency response. While the NTSB’s investigation continues, all stakeholders—pilots, passengers, airport officials, and aircraft manufacturers—are working together to improve safety and prevent future incidents. Stay tuned for the final report and any new recommendations that may shape the future of aviation safety.
Learn Today
NTSB → U.S. agency investigating civil transportation accidents to improve safety and prevent future incidents.
Runway Excursion → An event where an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway during takeoff or landing.
HondaJet HA-420 → A specific light business jet model involved in multiple runway excursions since 2015.
Thrust Reversers → Aircraft systems that redirect engine thrust forward to help slow down after landing.
VREF → Reference landing speed calculated for safe touchdown and landing operations in aviation.
This Article in a Nutshell
A HondaJet HA-420 skidded off a wet runway at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport on April 7, 2025. Despite normal initial braking, loss of effectiveness caused the jet to enter shallow water. The NTSB’s preliminary report highlights design factors and pilot training as keys to preventing future incidents.
— By VisaVerge.com
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