Two US pilots died when their private Gulfstream G200 jet crashed while attempting an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic on June 7, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The aircraft declared an emergency roughly 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana after reporting severe mechanical or technical problems shortly after takeoff [2, 3, 4].
The jet had just refueled in the Dominican Republic after a departure from Puerto Rico and was en route to Texas when the emergency occurred [1, 4]. Only the pilot and co-pilot were onboard; there were no passengers on the flight [1, 3, 4].
The crash caused a fiery explosion, which was captured in videos circulating on social media [1, 2, 3, 4]. Former Major League Baseball star Yadier Molina said the plane was intended to pick him up along with family and friends in Texas. "My condolences to the pilots and their family!" he stated [1].
Dominican aviation authorities have launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) said "aviation authorities activated the corresponding protocols and are conducting the necessary investigations to determine the causes of the incident. Both the IDAC and the CIAA will provide additional information as the investigation progresses" [4].
The sequence began with the jet flying from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic for refueling before its final leg to Texas. Shortly after takeoff from La Romana, the pilots reported technical problems before attempting to return for an emergency landing. The crash occurred during that attempt, killing both crew members [1, 2, 3, 4].
