Investigators are trying to determine why a Cirrus Vision Jet attempted to take off from a runway that was closed for construction at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (DIJ) in Idaho, resulting in a collision that injured one passenger and substantially damaged the aircraft.
Details released by the City of Driggs show the accident occurred at about 06:30 local time on August 14, 2026, as the Vision Jet attempted to depart from Runway 4.
A section of the runway had been closed for several weeks as part of an airport construction project. The normally 7,301-foot runway had been shortened, leaving 3,850 feet available for takeoff.
According to the city, the Vision Jet entered the closed section and attempted to take off through the portion of the runway that was under construction.
“The pilot was able to slow the plane upon approaching the construction site but could not avert a collision with construction material,” Driggs Deputy City Administrator Doug Self said in a statement.
One passenger was injured and transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The extent of the passenger’s injuries has not been released.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as N71KD and said it attempted to depart from part of the runway that was under construction, hit gravel, and the landing gear collapsed.
N71KD is registered to Vision71 Technologies of Chevy Chase, Maryland, according to FAA records.
Driggs-Reed Memorial is a nontowered airport. Airport officials said pilots had been advised of the construction project several weeks before work began, and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) detailing the partial runway closure was issued on August 5.
The NOTAM states that the southwest 3,451 feet of Runway 04/22 is closed through September 5. For Runway 04, the notice lists 3,850 feet of takeoff run available, takeoff distance available and accelerate-stop distance available.
Authorities have not said why the Vision Jet entered the closed portion of the runway or whether the pilot was aware of the NOTAM restriction.