- A private jet crashed in the Dominican Republic while en route to pick up MLB star Yadier Molina and his family.
- The Gulfstream G200 Galaxy lost stability shortly after takeoff and declared an emergency 16 nautical miles from the airport.
- Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash, which resulted in a massive fireball and thick black smoke.
LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — Weeks after a Denver airport trespasser was killed by a Frontier jet engine, another aviation tragedy is under investigation. This time, a private jet crashed in the Dominican Republic while on its way to pick up former St. Louis Cardinals star Yadier Molina and his family.
The US-registered Gulfstream G200 Galaxy executive jet had taken off from La Romana International Airport on Sunday and was headed to Austin, Texas. Officials said the pilot and co-pilot were the only people on board.
Emergency Reported After Takeoff
Shortly after leaving the airport, the crew reported problems with the aircraft.
According to reports, the jet was about 16 nautical miles southwest of La Romana International Airport when it declared an emergency. The pilot attempted to turn back and land safely at the same airport.
During the emergency return, the aircraft reportedly lost stability and crashed.
Pilot and Co-Pilot Killed
The jet crashed in a massive fireball, killing both crew members.
The pilot and co-pilot were not immediately identified in early reports.
Video from the scene showed the aircraft engulfed in flames on the runway, with thick black smoke rising into the air. Fire and rescue crews rushed to the crash site and worked to put out the flames.
Plane Was Heading to Pick Up Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina later addressed the crash in an Instagram post.
He said the plane was on its way to Texas to pick up him, his family, and friends so they could return to Puerto Rico.
Molina offered condolences to the pilots and their families and called the crash heartbreaking.
Possible Mechanical Issue Under Review
Early reports indicated the aircraft may have had a hydraulic problem, but officials have not confirmed the exact cause.
The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation said the aircraft was registered to an executive aviation company and that no passengers were on board at the time.
Dominican authorities said they are launching an investigation with help from specialized aviation agencies.
MLB Legend Was Not on Board
Molina was not on the aircraft when it crashed.
He played his entire MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2004 to 2022. During that time, he became a 10-time All-Star, won two World Series titles, and earned nine Gold Glove awards.
For now, the investigation is focused on what went wrong shortly after takeoff and why the jet could not safely return to the airport.
To view more cases involving deadly aviation accidents, emergency landings, and shocking crashes, check out our video here:
https://youtu.be/1aSmqbI0R9s
