Two U.S. Pilots Die in Gulfstream G200 Crash at La Romana

Two American pilots were killed Sunday, June 7, 2026, when a privately operated Gulfstream G200 business jet crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic. The aircraft, registration N318JF, had departed for Austin, Texas, when the crew declared an emergency approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of the field.

According to La Romana International Airport officials and the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), the crew requested an immediate return to the airport. The jet overran the runway on landing and was destroyed by an intense post-impact fire. Airport officials identified the crew as pilot Erick Javier Diago and co-pilot Ruddy Ghazal, both U.S. nationals. No passengers were on board.

Investigation Underway

IDAC has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. While some media reports have cited possible hydraulic failure or engine power loss, investigators have not confirmed the nature of the in-flight emergency. Because the aircraft was U.S.-registered and crewed by U.S. citizens, the National Transportation Safety Board may seek accredited representative status in the probe under ICAO Annex 13. Video shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising from the crash site as emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.