A private aircraft departing from Utah veered off the runway and crashed into Coos Bay near the Oregon coast early on the morning of April 7, 2025. The crash occurred at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend, shortly after 6:00 a.m. The aircraft involved, a 2019 HondaJet HA-420, was en route from St. George Regional Airport in Utah when it skidded roughly 100 feet beyond the edge of Runway 23 and came to rest in the shallow waters of Coos Bay. Onboard were the pilot and four passengers. All five occupants were rescued by emergency crews and transported to Bay Area Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Following the accident, all flight operations at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport were temporarily suspended while emergency teams responded. A crane-assisted recovery effort was launched, and the downed jet was removed from the bay later that morning. It has since been secured on airport grounds for investigation.
Understanding Runway Excursions and Aircraft Safety Risks
While aviation accidents are rare, runway incidents remain a persistent concern—especially when landings occur under challenging conditions or mechanical issues arise. It’s important to distinguish between runway incursions and excursions.
- Runway Incursion refers to any unauthorized presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on an active runway, creating the risk of a collision.
- Runway Excursion, which occurred in this case, happens when an aircraft veers off or overshoots the runway during landing or takeoff.
Runway excursions can be caused by a range of factors:
- Pilot error, including misjudging landing speed or distance.
- Brake or landing gear failure, which affects the plane’s ability to slow or steer.
- Wet or slick runway surfaces, reducing traction and increasing stopping distance.
- Weather conditions, such as fog or strong crosswinds.
- Improper aircraft weight and balance, affecting handling during descent.
- Low visibility landing, limiting the pilot’s ability to see clearly.
- Runway layout or lighting issues, especially at smaller regional airports.
These types of incidents are especially dangerous near bodies of water or steep terrain. In this case, it is fortunate that the jet entered a shallow section of Coos Bay and emergency crews were able to respond quickly.
Holding Responsible Parties Accountable After an Aviation Accident
Although no life-threatening injuries were reported, aviation accidents can have long-term consequences—both physical and financial—for those involved. Passengers may face costly medical bills, emotional distress, or income loss due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Depending on the cause of the accident, legal action may be warranted. Possible sources of liability include:
- Pilot negligence
- Maintenance errors
- Faulty aircraft design or manufacturing defects
- Inadequate airport infrastructure or air traffic control errors
An investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now underway to determine exactly what led to this runway excursion and whether any party failed to uphold safety standards.
Speak With an Aviation Accident Attorney
Incidents involving private aircraft, including runway accidents and hard landings, often raise complex questions of liability and insurance coverage. If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, it’s important to protect your rights.
The aviation accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have extensive experience representing individuals and families affected by aviation incidents involving both planes and helicopters. We are committed to helping you understand your legal options and seek appropriate compensation.
📞 Contact a skilled aviation accident attorney today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.