SANTO DOMINGO – An Embraer E190AR aircraft belonging to the airline SkyHigh Dominicana made an emergency landing this Tuesday at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), after experiencing a technical failure in the front landing gear.
The incident occurred during a test flight with seven people on board, according to official sources. After 1 hour and 46 minutes in flight, the crew successfully executed a critical descent procedure, landing the aircraft without causing any injuries or damage.
The positive outcome was made possible by the pilots' skill and the effective coordination with the emergency teams on the ground, who were activated immediately upon the declaration of the emergency. The operation involved airport firefighters, ambulances, and airport security personnel.
Despite the complexity of the procedure, no injuries or damage to third parties were reported, and the evacuation of the plane was carried out without incident.
Investigations underway
Following the incident, the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), along with the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA), have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the aircraft failure. According to the specialized website PuntaCana-Bávaro Online, the aircraft was undergoing technical testing and was not in commercial operation.
“The detected failure corresponds to the front landing gear,” indicated a source linked to the investigation, although other hypotheses are not ruled out, including possible mechanical failures, errors in procedures or external conditions.
Airport authorities confirmed that air operations at AILA continued without interruption. Other flights were unaffected, and traffic at the airport remained within normal parameters.
SkyHigh
Dominicana, based in Santo Domingo, has expanded its fleet in recent years. The airline operates scheduled flights in the Caribbean and parts of South America, using Embraer 190 aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes.
The fact that the landing occurred without serious consequences highlights the importance of safety protocols, crew training, and preventative maintenance within civil aviation.
Authorities are expected to release a preliminary report on the cause of the incident in the coming days. The airline has not yet issued an official statement, although it is expected to actively cooperate with regulators in the investigation.
