A Cirrus Vision Jet sustained substantial damage and suffered a landing gear collapse during a takeoff attempt from a closed runway section at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (DIJ (DIJ)) in Idaho. Official statements confirm that one passenger on board was injured in the collision and was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
According to details released by the City of Driggs, the accident occurred at approximately 06:30 local time on August 14, 2026, as the Vision Jet attempted to depart from Runway 4. A section of the airport's primary 7,301-foot runway had been closed for several weeks as part of an ongoing airport construction project, leaving an available takeoff distance of 3,850 feet.
City authorities reported that the aircraft entered the closed area and attempted to take off through the portion of the runway under construction. Driggs Deputy City Administrator Doug Self stated that while the pilot was able to slow the plane upon approaching the construction site, a collision with construction materials could not be averted. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) added that the jet struck gravel on the closed section, resulting in the collapse of its landing gear.
FAA records identify the aircraft by registration N71KD, registered to Vision71 Technologies based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Airport officials noted that Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport operates as a non-towered facility and that pilots had been advised of the construction work several weeks prior to the start of the project. A formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) outlining the partial runway closure was officially issued on August 5.
The issued NOTAM specified that the southwest 3,451 feet of Runway 04/22 would remain closed through September 5, leaving 3,850 feet of takeoff run, takeoff distance, and accelerate-stop distance available for Runway 04 operations. Aviation investigators and local authorities have not determined why the aircraft entered the closed construction area or whether the pilot was aware of the active NOTAM restrictions. The extent of the injured passenger's condition has not been disclosed.
