What happened
On December 13, 2025, at approximately 10:30 am, a Beaver RX 550 ultralight aircraft, registration UL-27-HI, was conducting a local pleasure flight near the Angelina airfield in Cotuí, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
While flying at an altitude of approximately 250 feet, the pilot observed a sudden decrease in engine RPM. As the aircraft began to lose lift, the pilot attempted to return to the Angelina runway, avoiding the nearby town of Guachapert and a rice factory equipped with solar panels. Despite efforts to glide the aircraft, the pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing on irregular terrain. The impact with a large rock during the landing resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation team examined the wreckage at the hangar where the aircraft components had been moved. During the inspection of the engine and control systems, investigators identified a broken throttle cable.
Findings
- The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
- The primary cause of the engine power loss was a broken throttle cable.
- The aircraft suffered severe damage due to the impact with uneven ground and a large rock.