The two American pilots who lost their lives in Sunday’s Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana International Airport have been identified as Erick Javier Diago and Ruddy Ghazal. The pair were the sole occupants of the aircraft when it crashed during an attempted emergency landing on June 7.
The Gulfstream G200, registered N318JF, had departed La Romana for Austin, Texas, where it was scheduled to pick up passengers, including former MLB star Yadier Molina, his family, and friends. Shortly after departure, approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport, the crew reported a suspected hydraulic system failure and declared an emergency.
The pilots turned the aircraft back toward La Romana and attempted to land safely. However, the jet reportedly lost control during the approach, exited the paved runway surface, and caught fire moments later. Both pilots were pronounced dead at the scene despite a rapid response from airport firefighters and emergency services.
Authorities, including the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission, have launched a formal investigation into the accident. As the aircraft was registered in the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to participate in the investigation. The aviation community continues to mourn the loss of the two pilots as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash.