What happened
During a scheduled sightseeing flight traveling between Punta Cana and Santiago de los Caballeros, a twin-engine aircraft encountered mechanical difficulties. After the initial leg of the journey, the pilot decided to divert to La Romana for a refueling stop because the aircraft had not been replenished with fuel in Santiago de los Caballeros and the pilot noted that the fuel gauge for the left tank was not functioning.
While proceeding toward the destination, the left engine ceased operation. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the failure persisted. Consequently, the pilot initiated an emergency descent into a sugarcane field situated in the El Prado area. Upon impact with the ground, the aircraft's landing gear collapsed, causing the plane to slide several dozen meters before coming to a halt.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
- All nine occupants of the aircraft managed to exit the wreckage without injuries.
- The incident was precipitated by the failure of the left engine during the flight.