Two US pilots killed in Gulfstream crash at La Romana airport after emergency landing attempt

The crash

A Gulfstream G200 private jet crashed into a fireball on the runway at La Romana International Airport on Sunday, killing the pilot and co-pilot, both American citizens. The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute confirmed no passengers were on board. Footage shows the aircraft erupting in flames, followed by heavy black smoke, as emergency crews sprayed water to contain the blaze.

Emergency declared

The aircraft declared an emergency while approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana.

The jet had stopped in the Dominican Republic to refuel and was returning to the airport when the accident occurred, according to the institute's statement. It was en route to Austin, Texas, but went down moments after taking off again.

Baseball star's charter

Yadier Molina, the former St. Louis Cardinals catcher, revealed on social media that the flight was arranged to pick up him, his family, and friends for a trip to his native Puerto Rico.

My condolences to the pilots and their families.

Molina, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most acclaimed defensive catchers in MLB history, now manages in the Venezuelan league and coaches Puerto Rico's national team.

Investigation underway

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the cause of the crash. No immediate explanation was given for the emergency. The Gulfstream G200, with a capacity of eight to eighteen passengers, had been carrying only the two crew members.

Local context

In 2021, a private plane departing Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo crashed, killing nine people, including Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie. The Dominican Republic remains a major tourist draw, with nearly 12 million visitors in 2025, making it Latin America's second most popular destination.