SkyHigh Dominicana Embraer E190AR Makes A Safe Emergency Landing After Nose-Gear Malfunction at Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic

Published on October 1, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A SkyHigh Dominicana Embraer E190AR aircraft made an emergency nose-gear up landing at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The aircraft was conducting a routine test flight when it encountered a technical issue with its nose landing gear, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and perform the landing at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time.

What Happened During the Flight?

The aircraft, which was not scheduled for commercial operations, experienced a malfunction in its nose landing gear during the test flight. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the flight crew followed standard emergency procedures, including declaring an emergency to air traffic control and preparing for a safe landing. The aircraft executed a nose-gear up landing, a maneuver that involves landing the aircraft without the use of its front landing gear, relying instead on the fuselage to absorb the impact.

Where Did the Incident Occur?

The emergency landing took place at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), the primary international gateway to the Dominican Republic, located in Santo Domingo. AILA is a major hub for both domestic and international flights and is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to handle such incidents.

When Did the Emergency Landing Occur?

The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time. The timing of the event allowed for a coordinated response from airport emergency services, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.

Why Did the Aircraft Perform a Nose-Gear Up Landing?

The decision to perform a nose-gear up landing was necessitated by the malfunction of the aircraft’s nose landing gear. Without the ability to deploy the front landing gear, the aircraft’s crew opted for this emergency procedure to minimize potential damage to the aircraft and ensure the safety of the occupants. This maneuver is a standard emergency procedure used when a landing gear failure occurs.

How Was the Situation Handled?

Upon receiving the emergency declaration, Aerodom, the operator of Las Américas International Airport, promptly activated its emergency response teams and implemented established protocols for such incidents. The airport’s emergency services were on standby to provide immediate assistance during the landing. The aircraft touched down safely, and all seven individuals on board, including the flight crew, were unharmed.

Following the incident, the airport continued operations without significant disruption, utilizing an alternate runway while the affected area was inspected and cleared. The aircraft was subsequently removed from the runway, and an investigation was initiated to determine the cause of the nose landing gear malfunction.

Impact on Passengers and Airport Operations

There were no passengers on board the aircraft during the test flight, as it was a routine maintenance check. Therefore, there were no impacts on commercial passenger services at Las Américas International Airport. The airport’s operations continued smoothly, with flights utilizing the alternate runway during the inspection and clearance of the affected area.

Investigation and Future Precautions

In response to the incident, SkyHigh Dominicana, in collaboration with the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) and the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), initiated a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the nose landing gear malfunction. The findings of this investigation will be used to enhance maintenance procedures and ensure the continued safety of the airline’s operations.

SkyHigh Dominicana has a history of maintaining high safety standards, and the airline is committed to implementing any necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The airline’s fleet, including the Embraer E190AR involved in this incident, undergoes regular maintenance and inspections to adhere to international aviation safety standards.

Conclusion

The emergency nose-gear up landing of SkyHigh Dominicana’s Embraer E190AR at Las Américas International Airport was handled efficiently and safely, with no injuries reported among the seven individuals on board. The prompt response from the flight crew and airport emergency services, coupled with adherence to established safety protocols, ensured the successful resolution of the incident. Ongoing investigations will provide further insights into the cause of the landing gear malfunction, contributing to the continuous improvement of aviation safety practices in the Dominican Republic.