BREAKING: Tragedy at La Romana: Gulfstream G200 Crashes During Emergency Return, Both Pilots Killed
On June 7, 2026, a tragic aviation accident occurred near La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic when a Gulfstream G200 business jet (N318JF) crashed while attempting an emergency landing.
The aircraft, operated by Aibonito Aviation LLC, had departed La Romana and was bound for Austin, Texas, on a ferry flight. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported a technical malfunction and declared an emergency approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport.
The pilots attempted to return safely to La Romana, but disaster struck during the landing attempt on Runway 29. The 2004-built Gulfstream G200 was destroyed in the crash, and both pilots on board lost their lives. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The accident occurred at approximately 20:10 UTC and has sent shockwaves through the aviation community. Investigators are expected to examine the reported technical malfunction and other factors that may have contributed to the fatal crash.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the two pilots who tragically lost their lives while attempting to bring the aircraft safely back to the airport.