A horrifying plane crash at La Romana Airport in the Dominican Republic was caught on camera, showing the moment a US-registered Gulfstream jet skidded off the runway and burst into a huge fireball. The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, and resulted in the tragic deaths of both crew members on board.
Details of the Crash
According to local media, the Gulfstream jet was en route to Austin, Texas, in the United States. The crew declared an emergency approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana and turned back towards the airport. They reported mechanical issues during take-off, prompting them to attempt an emergency landing. The plane was completely destroyed in the crash and subsequent explosion.
The victims have been identified as American nationals Erick Javier Diago and Rudy Ghazal, as reported by Dominican newspaper El Día. No passengers were reportedly on board.
Footage Captures the Tragic Event
Disturbing footage shared on social media shows the grey business jet moving at high speed along the ground near the runway during the emergency landing attempt. The aircraft can be seen generating massive clouds of dirt and dust as it veers off course, with parts of the fuselage beginning to break away under the intense force. Moments later, a fire suddenly erupts from the rear section of the jet. As the plane continues to slide and disintegrate, the fire triggers a larger explosion. The footage concludes with the wreckage consumed by flames, emitting a large column of dense, black smoke into the air above the airport grounds, as emergency vehicles rush towards the burning remains.
Aircraft Information
The US-registered private jet was a Gulfstream G200, a medium- to long-range executive aircraft built in 2004 by Israel Aircraft Industries. According to aviation records, the aircraft was owned by Aibonito Aviation LLC, a private aviation firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dominican aviation officials have identified the aircraft as a GALX with US registration number N318JF.
Investigation Underway
The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute and the country's Aviation Accident Investigation Commission stated that emergency protocols were activated, and investigators are working to establish the cause of the crash. The plane was completely destroyed, leaving little but wreckage for analysis.
