AMES – Iowa State University President Steven Leath caused “substantial damage” to a university airplane he was piloting when it made a hard landing at an Illinois airport last year – a costly incident kept quiet for 14 months.

Reports obtained by The Associated Press show both wings suffered damage after Leath failed to navigate windy conditions and hit the runway at the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington, Illinois. Experts said the accident appears to have involved a relatively inexperienced pilot making an error. The university confirmed the incident Friday after AP inquiries, saying it paid for $12,000 in repairs itself rather than file an insurance claim. It also confirmed that Leath, a certified pilot, is allowed to fly himself on university and personal business although the university employs three professional pilots.

Leath and his wife, Janet, were returning from Ashe County, North Carolina, where their family owns a home. Leath, who did not return a message seeking comment, hasn’t explained any business reason for the trip.