LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic — A US-registered private executive jet crashed and erupted into a massive fireball during an attempted emergency landing at La Romana International Airport (LRM) on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Both crew members on board were killed.

Incident Overview

The aircraft, a Gulfstream G200 registered as N318JF, had originally departed from La Romana and was bound for Austin, Texas. Shortly into the flight, the crew encountered technical difficulties and declared an emergency when the aircraft was approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana.

The pilots immediately turned back in an attempt to make an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed upon returning to the airport.

Key Details of the Crash

  • Casualties: The pilot and co-pilot both lost their lives in the accident. The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) confirmed that no passengers were on board the flight.
  • The Crash: Dramatic eyewitness footage circulated on social media showing the aircraft skidding and bouncing violently along the runway and adjacent grass before slamming down and exploding into a towering orange fireball.
  • Emergency Response: Airport emergency teams and fire trucks rushed to the scene, spraying water to control the large plume of thick black smoke and intense blaze left behind by the impact.

"The aircraft declared an emergency while approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana and rushed back to La Romana International Airport," the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute said in an official statement.

Ongoing Investigation

The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute has officially launched an investigation to determine the exact mechanical issues or circumstances that led to the tragic crash. Further updates are expected as authorities review flight data and airport recordings