Overview
On December 13, 2025, at approximately 10:30 local time, a Beaver Model RX 550 ultralight aircraft, registration UL-27-HI, was involved in an accident near the Angelina airstrip in Cotuí, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was operated under sport aviation rules, carrying a pilot and one passenger on a local pleasure flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the preliminary report by the Dominican Republic's Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA), after departure, while climbing to an altitude of about 250 feet, the pilot observed a sudden decrease in engine RPM. The ultralight began to lose lift, prompting the pilot to attempt a return to the Angelina airstrip. The pilot noted that terrain ahead included the settlement of Guachapita and to the right a rice factory covered with solar panels. Despite efforts to glide as far as possible, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on irregular terrain. The aircraft impacted a large rock during the landing, resulting in substantial damage.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was reported uninjured. No other persons were harmed, and no third-party property damage occurred. The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the forced landing and impact with the rock.
Investigative Findings
Investigators examined the wreckage after it was transported to a hangar. They discovered that the throttle cable was broken. This failure caused a loss of engine power, which led to the forced landing. The CIAA is continuing the investigation in accordance with Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to determine the full circumstances of the accident. No further causal statements have been issued at this preliminary stage.