Two American pilots are dead after the La Romana plane crash destroyed a private Gulfstream G200 in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, June 7. The jet, tail number N318JF, went down during an emergency landing attempt only minutes after takeoff.
Here is what we have verified so far.
Key Takeaways
- Pilot Erick Javier Diago and co-pilot Rudy Ghazal, both U.S. citizens, were the only people aboard, and neither survived.
- The crew reported engine failure moments after departing for Austin, Texas, then crashed while returning to Runway 29.
- Dominican regulators IDAC and CIAA have opened a formal investigation into the private jet crash.
What Happened at La Romana International Airport?
The La Romana Plane Crash accident unfolded Sunday afternoon at La Romana International Airport (LRM) on the southeastern coast.
Records from the Aviation Safety Network show the jet was destroyed while attempting the emergency landing on Runway 29.
Our analysis suggests the crew had only minutes between the first warning and impact.
| Crash at a Glance | |
| Date | Sunday, June 7, 2026 |
| Location | La Romana Intl Airport (LRM), Dominican Republic |
| Aircraft | 2004 Gulfstream G200 |
| Registration | N318JF |
| Registered owner | Aibonito Aviation LLC, Puerto Rico |
| Route | La Romana to Austin, Texas |
| On board | 2 crew, 0 passengers |
| Fatalities | 2 (both pilots) |
How Did the Engine Failure Emergency Unfold?
Reporting from AeroTime and official IDAC statements describe a rapid chain of events.
- N318JF departed La Romana with no passengers, bound for Austin, Texas.
- The crew radioed a loss of power in one engine and requested an immediate return.
- IDAC says the emergency was declared about 16 nautical miles southwest of the field.
- Flight tracking data captured circling maneuvers before the final approach.
- The jet crashed during the landing attempt and was destroyed by fire.
Who Were the Pilots on N318JF?
Authorities identified the victims as pilot Erick Javier Diago and co-pilot Rudy Ghazal. Per CBS Austin, both men were U.S. nationals, and the aircraft was flying a repositioning leg with an empty cabin.
Firefighters and airport crews reached the wreckage within minutes, yet neither pilot survived. Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues.
What Do We Know About the Gulfstream G200?
Industry insiders are noting the type’s unusual lineage.
FlightGlobal reports the design began life as the IAI Astra Galaxy before Gulfstream purchased Galaxy Aerospace in 2001.
| Aircraft File: Gulfstream G200 | |
| Class | Super midsize, twin engine business jet |
| Original name | IAI Astra Galaxy |
| Rebranded | Renamed G200 after Gulfstream’s 2001 acquisition |
| This airframe | Built in 2004, FAA registered as N318JF |
| Runway used | Single Runway 11/29, about 9,678 ft |
Who Is Investigating the La Romana Plane Crash?
No cause has been confirmed, and investigators have not yet released flight data.
| The Investigation | |
| IDAC | Civil aviation authority that issued the official statements |
| CIAA | Accident commission leading the on-site probe |
| FAA | Holds the United States registration file for the jet |
| NTSB | May join under global rules for US registered aircraft |
What Does This Mean for Private Aviation Safety?
The private jet crash recalls the 2021 Gulfstream IV accident near Santo Domingo that killed nine people. Engine trouble immediately after takeoff remains one of aviation’s least forgiving scenarios.
For similar 2026 events, read our coverage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner mayday and the Flight 6469 emergency landing in Omaha. La Romana Plane Crash will update this report as IDAC and CIAA release their findings.
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