LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. (THECOUNT) — Erick Javier Diago and Ruddy Ghaza, both U.S. pilots, were killed Sunday when a business jet crashed during an attempted emergency landing at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic.
According to airport officials, Diago, the pilot, and Ghaza, the co-pilot, were the only individuals aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Gulfstream 200 executive jet.
Officials said the flight had originated in Puerto Rico and made a stop in the Dominican Republic for refueling before continuing toward Texas.
The jet was reportedly scheduled to travel to Texas to pick up former Major League Baseball catcher Yadier Molina, along with family members and friends, before returning to Puerto Rico.
Authorities said the crew declared an in-flight emergency shortly after takeoff. The aircraft subsequently attempted to return to La Romana International Airport and make an emergency landing.
Reports indicated the emergency occurred approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport.
Video of the accident showed the aircraft touching down and skidding along the runway before bouncing multiple times. A fire then erupted and the aircraft became engulfed in flames.
No passengers were aboard the aircraft during the flight, according to a statement released by airport officials.
Molina later confirmed that the jet had been scheduled to pick up him and others in Austin, Texas. In a social media statement, he expressed condolences to the pilots and their families and described the tragedy as heartbreaking.
La Romana International Airport is located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and serves both commercial and private aviation traffic. The airport is a major gateway for tourism and private charter operations serving destinations throughout the Caribbean and North America.
The Gulfstream 200 is a twin-engine business jet commonly used for corporate and private travel. The aircraft type is capable of long-range flights throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The flight’s planned route included Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Texas. Officials said the stop in the Dominican Republic was made for refueling before the aircraft continued toward the United States.
The Dominican Republic maintains a network of domestic and international airports that support commercial airlines, private charter operators, and executive aviation services. Aviation incidents in the country are investigated by specialized government agencies responsible for determining probable causes and issuing safety recommendations.
Authorities said the crash remains under active investigation.
The investigation is being conducted by the Dominican Institute for Civil Aviation and the Investigative Commission for Aviation Accidents. Officials have stated that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Molina, 43, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2004 through 2022. During his career, he earned 10 All-Star selections, won nine Gold Glove Awards, and helped the Cardinals win World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.
Crash location: Google Maps
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