Following an incident on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, involving a ZED Airlines Cessna 402B aircraft, registered HI-1056 in the Dominican Republic, operating flight 6502 between Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince, was forced to make an emergency water landing near Port Lafito around 11:00 a.m. The National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) immediately activated its national emergency management system, in accordance with established procedures.

Under the coordination of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Directorate, the Task Force was quickly mobilized to ensure operational coordination of the response and to deploy the necessary resources. Thanks to this mobilization, two helicopters were immediately dispatched to the Lafito area to locate the aircraft and provide assistance to its occupants (the pilot and two passengers).

ZED Airlines confirmed that there were no casualties and that the occupants were receiving medical care and the necessary assistance (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47944-haiti-flash-forced-landing-in-lafito-video.html). The airline also indicated that the relevant authorities and the company's technical team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident.

OFNAC also wishes to commend the exemplary collaboration of the Port of Lafito, whose logistical support and on-the-ground assistance greatly facilitated the deployment of rescue resources and the coordination of operations in the intervention zone. This synergy among the various stakeholders contributed to the speed and effectiveness of the search and rescue mission.

This coordinated effort allowed for the rapid care of the three occupants of the aircraft. OFNAC expresses its gratitude to all the institutions, organizations, and personnel involved, whose professionalism and responsiveness were crucial to the success of this operation.

In parallel with the rescue operations, OFNAC's Aviation Safety Directorate will carry out the initial technical steps required by regulations. To this end, the aircraft pilot will be interviewed by inspectors from this Directorate to gather initial information on the circumstances of the incident. This information will inform the preliminary analysis, pending the full investigation, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable national and international standards.

HL/ HaitiLibre