A Florida federal judge has denied a request from Helidosa Aviation Group SA to dismiss two lawsuits following a fatal plane crash in 2021, ruling that the case will proceed in U.S. courts. The decision is tied to the company’s significant business operations in Florida, which have established enough of a connection to the Sunshine State for the case to stay in the U.S.
The Tragic Incident: A Life Cut Short
The crash that killed rising reggaeton producer Jose Hernandez, known as “Flow la Movie,” took place on December 2021. Hernandez, who produced hits such as “Te Boté,” had chartered a Gulfstream IV aircraft for his family to fly from Orlando to the Dominican Republic. After the plane arrived in the Dominican Republic, mechanics discovered issues with the aircraft’s ground spoilers on the right wing. Though the parts were replaced, the installation was faulty, leading to disastrous consequences.
On the return flight to Florida, the malfunctioning spoilers caused the plane to experience severe difficulties, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. The crash, which took place as the plane tried to land, tragically claimed the lives of all nine people aboard, including Hernandez, his five family members, two pilots, and a flight attendant.
Legal Battle: Family Seeks Justice
The family of the late Jose Hernandez, including his mother, Keila Marie Pena, and his surviving daughter, Keigelyan Hernandez, filed separate wrongful death lawsuits against Helidosa Aviation in 2023. The lawsuit seeks to hold the airline responsible for the crash, which they argue was the result of the company’s negligence in maintaining the aircraft.
