Homeland Security Secretary’s Plane Makes Emergency Landing

A Coast Guard aircraft carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and several others executed an emergency landing due to an engine failure on Wednesday. The Gulfstream jet safely touched down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport without any injuries reported.

In an audio communication with air traffic control, the pilot announced a loss of the right engine and requested emergency clearance for an immediate landing at DCA. The recording revealed the presence of 14 individuals on board, with the aircraft carrying approximately 2½ hours of fuel.

The incident occurred around 1:35 p.m. ET. The pilot’s call mentioned a potential mechanical issue, prompting a diversion of the plane to Reagan Airport located in Arlington, Virginia. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed this in a statement.

The plane landed safely, was thoroughly checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel then proceeded off the runway. There was no disruption to other flights,

Markwayne Mullin described the landing on X, appreciating the Coast Guard pilots for a professional single-engine landing that felt routine. He noted that despite the situation, there was no panic, and the pilots even shared that it was their first experience of such an incident.

The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for overseeing the Coast Guard, has not provided a comment on the matter yet.