Gulfstream G200 Fatal Crash on Emergency Return in Dominican Republic
An emergency declared just after takeoff followed by a failed return is a profile worth studying for any turbine pilot; facts only at this stage, with the investigation ongoing under Dominican authorities.
On June 7, 2026, a 2004 Gulfstream G200 (N318JF, operated by Aibonito Aviation LLC) was destroyed at La Romana International Airport (MDLR), Dominican Republic, during an attempted emergency return. The positioning flight bound for Austin, Texas declared an in-flight emergency shortly after takeoff around 15:30 local; the crew attempted to land on Runway 29, impacted a runway sign, and the aircraft caught fire. Both pilots, the sole occupants, were fatally injured. The Dominican Republic's CIAA and Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) are leading the investigation, with the U.S. NTSB notified and supporting. No preliminary report has been released and no probable cause determined.
Sources
- Gulfstream G200 Crash Claims Two in Dominican Republic — Aviation International News