A private jet has burst into flames after skidding across the runway at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, killing the two crew members on board, aviation officials have confirmed.
Footage captured the moment the white business jet, a Gulfstream G200 registered in the US as N318JF, hit the ground and slid for several metres, kicking up clouds of dirt and dust as parts of the fuselage began to break away. Moments later, a fire erupted from the rear section, triggering a large explosion that engulfed the wreckage in flames and sent a massive plume of black smoke into the air. Emergency vehicles were seen racing toward the burning remains.
“Two crew members died after a private jet exploded while attempting an emergency landing at La Romana Airport, Dominican Republic.”
The aircraft had taken off from La Romana bound for Austin, Texas, according to local media. About 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport, the pilot declared an emergency and turned back. Early reports suggest a serious mechanical issue mid-flight. The jet lost stability while attempting to land, crashing inside the airport terminal perimeter.
The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) said in a statement: “The US-registered aircraft, registered to an executive aviation company, had its two crew members on board: the pilot and co-pilot. No passengers were reported.” The names of those killed have not been released.
Arturo Garffer, secretary of the Department of Public Safety of Puerto Rico, said the plane “had malfunctions on landing. Everything is still preliminary. Apparently, it was crewed by two people.”
Hector Porcella, director of the Civil Aviation Board, told AFP that he still did not know the details of the accident.
Investigators from the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute and the country’s Aviation Accident Investigation Commission have activated emergency protocols and are working to determine the cause of the crash. The airfield’s operations were thrown into disruption as the inquiry got under way.