What happened
On November 23, 2019, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Singular Aircraft unmanned aircraft, registration HI-1054EX, was involved in an accident over the waters of Neiba Bay in the province of Barahona, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was conducting test flights originating from the Barahona International Airport (MDJB) when the left wing detached from the airframe.
Following the structural failure, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the water with high energy. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with this event.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation team arrived at the site the day after the occurrence to evaluate operational, human performance, airworthiness, meteorological, and topographical factors. The investigation has included visual inspections and studies of the aircraft's nose gear. The investigation is currently in the analysis phase, with upcoming reviews of the Dominican Aeronautical Regulations (RAD) to support the completion of the final report.