What happened
On June 7, 2026, a Gulfstream G-200 with registration N318JF, operated by Aibonito Aviation LLC, departed La Romana International Airport (MDLR) for Austin, Texas. Shortly after takeoff from runway 11, the crew reported a loss of power in the right engine and declared an emergency. The aircraft initially attempted to land on runway 11 but aborted the approach due to weight concerns and control difficulties. After burning off fuel, the crew elected to attempt a landing on runway 29.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft deviated sharply to the left, exiting the paved surface onto soft terrain. It traveled approximately 700 meters before the main landing gear collapsed. During the subsequent slide, the left engine separated from the airframe, and fuel tanks ruptured, causing a significant post-impact fire near taxiway A1. The aircraft was destroyed, but two people on board survived without serious injury.
The investigation
The Dominican Republic’s aviation safety authority, the CIAA, opened case 126-2026 to investigate the event. Investigators are analyzing air traffic control recordings, flight data, and maintenance records to reconstruct the sequence of events. Key areas of focus include the initial engine failure, the crew's decision-making process regarding fuel burn-off versus immediate landing, and the handling characteristics of the aircraft during the final approach and rollout.
Findings
Preliminary findings indicate that the loss of the right engine prompted the emergency declaration. The subsequent runway excursion was linked to a sharp leftward deviation upon landing on runway 29. Structural failures, including the collapse of the main landing gear and separation of the left engine, occurred during the off-runway slide, leading to fuel leakage and fire.