Incident
On final approach to Santo Domingo-Las Américas-Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez Airport, a twin-engine aircraft experienced simultaneous failure of both engines at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet and a distance of 8 kilometers from the airport. The crew, realizing they could not reach the runway, attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a densely wooded area located about one kilometer southeast of runway 35 threshold. All four occupants—two pilots and two passengers—escaped uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the aircraft had departed San Juan-Isla Grande Airport on a private flight to Santo Domingo. Prior to departure, the fuel quantity in the tanks was sufficient for the planned flight. However, the fuel cap was missing before takeoff, and the crew applied duct tape in an attempt to replace it. Despite the aircraft being deemed unworthy to fly under those conditions, the crew decided to proceed with the flight.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the probable cause was double engine failure on final approach due to fuel exhaustion. The missing fuel cap allowed fuel to leak in flight, leading to the loss of power in both engines.