Erick Javier Diago, La Romana, was among two U.S. pilots killed when a Gulfstream 200 business jet crashed during an attempted emergency landing at La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic.
The aircraft was being flown by Diago, who served as pilot, with Ruddy Ghaza acting as co-pilot. According to airport officials, they were the only people on board at the time of the incident.
The flight had started in Puerto Rico and made a stop in the Dominican Republic for refueling. The next planned destination was Texas, where the jet was scheduled to pick up former Major League Baseball catcher Yadier Molina and others before returning to Puerto Rico.
Authorities said the crew declared an in-flight emergency shortly after takeoff. They attempted to turn back and land at La Romana International Airport.
The emergency unfolded about 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport. At that point, the situation became critical as the pilots worked to bring the aircraft back safely.
Video from the scene showed the jet touching down hard on the runway. It skidded, bounced multiple times, and then burst into flames before being fully engulfed.
Officials confirmed that no passengers were on board during the flight. Only the two pilots were inside the aircraft when it went down.
The aircraft, a Gulfstream 200 executive jet, is commonly used for long-range private and corporate travel across the Caribbean and North America.
Airport authorities and aviation investigators are still reviewing what caused the emergency and the failed landing attempt.
Yadier Molina later confirmed the aircraft had been arranged to transport him and others, expressing sadness over the deaths of the two pilots.
La Romana International Airport remains a key hub for tourism and private aviation along the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast, handling frequent charter and executive flights.
Investigators from Dominican aviation authorities continue to gather evidence as the crash remains under active investigation.
