Investigation Summary
The accident aircraft, HI1050, had arrived at La Isabela earlier that day from Puerto Rico, where the crew reported issues with the ground spoilers. Helidosa maintenance personnel spent approximately three hours replacing the ground spoiler actuators on the right wing. CCTV footage later reviewed by investigators showed that during the post-maintenance flight control check, the spoilers on both wings extended, but only the left side retracted. The aircraft taxied and took off with three spoilers on the right wing still fully extended, creating massive lift asymmetry and drag. The crew declared an emergency almost immediately after departure, struggling to maintain control of the jet. After reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 1,825 feet and performing a 360-degree turn, the pilots attempted to align with runway 35 at Las Americas. The aircraft struck the airport perimeter fence and terrain approximately 200 meters short and to the right of the runway 35 threshold, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed the airframe.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was the improper maintenance of the ground spoiler system, which left the right-wing spoilers in the extended position. A secondary contributing factor was the flight crew's failure to identify the spoiler asymmetry during their pre-flight control checks and taxi, despite the visible physical configuration of the wing surfaces.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Ground Spoilers
Flaps on the upper wing surface used to reduce lift and increase drag; an asymmetrical deployment causes severe rolling tendencies.
Spoiler Actuators
Hydraulic components responsible for extending and retracting the spoiler panels; these were the focus of the faulty maintenance.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Gulfstream G-IVSP manufactured in 2002 with 6,258 total airframe hours.
- 02All nine occupants, including Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie and his family, were killed.
- 03CCTV footage confirmed the aircraft taxied with three spoilers on the right wing extended.
- 04The maintenance work performed prior to the flight lasted approximately three hours.
- 05The flight lasted only 16 minutes from takeoff to impact.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Maintenance Protocol Review
The investigation highlighted the critical need for rigorous post-maintenance inspections and functional tests to ensure flight control surfaces operate symmetrically.