Washington, D.C. – A U.S. Coast Guard plane carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was forced to make an emergency landing Wednesday afternoon at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the aircraft lost its right engine.
According to multiple sources, the 25‑year‑old aircraft was carrying 14 occupants, including Secretary Mullin. The crew executed a single‑engine landing without incident, a maneuver the secretary described on X as “routine” and a testament to the pilots’ skill.
“No panic, just straight professionalism,” Mullin wrote on X. “The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single‑engine landing feel routine. After we landed, the pilots told me that was a first for them! We could not have been in better hands.”
The emergency landing highlights the readiness and training of the Coast Guard’s aviation units, which regularly conduct high‑risk operations ranging from search‑and‑rescue missions to maritime law‑enforcement flights. While the loss of an engine is a serious event, the crew’s swift response ensured the safety of all aboard.
What happened?
Sources said the aircraft’s right engine failed shortly after take‑off, prompting the pilots to divert to the nearest suitable airport. Reagan National, with its short runway and heavy traffic, presented a challenging environment for a single‑engine landing, but the crew managed the approach and touchdown without further complications.
Secretary Mullin’s response
Secretary Mullin emphasized that there was “no panic” among passengers and praised the Coast Guard pilots for their calm, professional handling of the situation. He also noted that the incident was a first‑time experience for the pilots, underscoring the rarity of such an event.
Safety implications
While investigations into the engine failure are ongoing, the successful landing demonstrates the robustness of federal aviation safety protocols. The Coast Guard’s ability to safely land a multi‑engine aircraft on a single engine reassures the public that even unexpected mechanical issues can be managed effectively.
The incident is still developing, and further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
