This Sunday afternoon, the La Romana International Airport, in the Dominican Republic, was the scene of a painful tragedy. An executive jet, registration N318JF (Gulfstream G200 model), crashed to the ground while trying to perform a critical emergency landing maneuver, resulting in the death of its only two occupants.
The flight, which had as its final destination the city of Austin, in Texas, United States, had departed minutes before from the same air terminal. However, shortly after takeoff, the crew notified the control tower of a loss of power in one of the engines, declaring an emergency situation about 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana.
The desperate attempt to return
The skill of the pilot and co-pilot, identified as Erick Javier Diago and Rudy Ghazal, both of American nationality, was put to the test in critical minutes. After receiving authorization to return immediately, the device performed the return maneuver. Unfortunately, during the approach to the runway, the aircraft lost stability and fell within the airport perimeter, where it subsequently caught fire.
The rescue personnel, firefighters and the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service of the air terminal immediately activated the emergency protocols, but despite their efforts, it was not possible to save the lives of the crew members.
Ongoing investigation
The Dominican aeronautical authorities, through the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and the Aviation Accident Investigative Commission (CIAA), have initiated an exhaustive investigation to determine the technical causes that caused the emergency. The analysis of the communications, the maintenance records of the aircraft—property of Aibonito Aviation—and the study of the remains of the device will be key pieces to clarify this unfortunate incident.
This accident not only mourns the families of the deceased, but also brings into focus the rigor of air safety protocols in the country. While the aeronautical community remains in suspense, the void remains of two professionals who lost their lives in the performance of their work, leaving deep pain in those who witnessed the emergency mobilization at the La Romana terminal.
