9 fatalities

2021-12-15: Gulfstream GIV (HI1050) — Helidosa Aviation Group — Santo Domingo-Las Américas, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo-Las Américas, Dominican RepublicLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 2021, a Gulfstream GIV (registration HI1050) operated by Helidosa Aviation Group was involved in an aviation accident near Santo Domingo-Las Américas, Dominican Republic during landing or approach. 9 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781189829Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight from La Isabela Airport to Orlando crashed 16 minutes after takeoff, killing all nine occupants, including Puerto Rican artist Flow La Movie. The crew had reported technical problems with the spoilers.

Incident Overview

A charter flight departed La Isabela-Dr. Joaquín Balaguer Airport bound for Orlando, carrying six passengers and three crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the crew informed air traffic control about technical problems and received clearance to divert to Santo Domingo-Las Américas Airport for an emergency landing. During the approach, the aircraft went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames upon impact. The aircraft disintegrated, and all nine occupants were killed, including Puerto Rican music artist José Angel Hernández, known as Flow La Movie.

Technical Issues

According to a preliminary report, the crew encountered technical problems with the spoilers prior to departure. Maintenance was performed to replace the ground spoiler actuators. After maintenance, the crew completed a ground check. During this check, all spoilers deployed properly on both wings. However, when retracted, only the spoilers on the left wing retracted fully, while those on the right wing remained deployed. The crew did not notice this asymmetry.

Flight Sequence

Immediately after takeoff, the crew reported controllability problems. They initially decided to return to La Isabela but later opted to divert to Las Américas Airport. The aircraft eventually lost control and crashed 16 minutes after takeoff.