Two U.S. pilots were killed Sunday when a Gulfstream 200 with registration number N318JF crashed in the Dominican Republic while attempting an emergency landing near the southern coastal town of La Romana, according to the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation and La Romana International Airport. The pilots—Erick Javier Diago and Ruddy Ghazal,were U.S. citizens with no passengers aboard the aircraft, which was bound for Texas to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family and friends.

Emergency Declared Before Crash

According to the airport’s Facebook post and a statement from the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation, the plane had departed from Puerto Rico and landed in the Dominican Republic to refuel before continuing to Texas. Shortly after takeoff from the Dominican Republic, the pilot and co-pilot reported an emergency, authorities said; the aircraft crashed while trying to land at La Romana Airport.

Cellphone video of the crash was widely circulated on social media, though the cause of the incident has not yet been determined — the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation confirmed the crash occurred on Sunday and stated that the pilots were U.S. nationals. The airport also posted a message of condolence, saying, ‘We extend our sincere condolences and expressions of sympathy to the families and friends of those who died in this tragic incident.’

Molina’s Response and Travel Plans

Yadier Molina. A former MLB all-star catcher. Confirmed the plane was scheduled to pick him up and his family. He wrote on social media, ‘My condolences to the pilots and their family!’ The group was intended to travel to Puerto Rico before heading to Texas. Molina did not specify when he would board the plane but confirmed it was part of the travel plan.

There were no passengers aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. The Associated Press reported that the plane was part of a private charter operation and had been en route to Texas after stopping in the Dominican Republic. Molina had not yet boarded the plane, according to his post.

Investigation Underway

A full investigation into the cause of the crash is being conducted by Dominican authorities. The crash site is located near La Romana, a popular tourist destination on the Caribbean island’s southern coast. The Gulfstream 200 is a midsize business jet known for its range and speed, commonly used for private charter flights.

Authorities have not yet released any preliminary findings. The airport’s Facebook post emphasized the tragic nature of the incident, and local media outlets have highlighted the involvement of a high-profile athlete in the travel plans, though no further details about the charter or the pilots were provided.

As of the latest reports, no formal charges or criminal allegations have been made against any party. The focus remains on the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash and the circumstances leading up to the emergency landing. The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.