On Wednesday, a Coast Guard aircraft carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and over a dozen others executed an emergency landing due to an engine failure. The Gulfstream jet safely landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Audio recordings of the pilot’s communication with air traffic control revealed the urgent situation. The pilot stated, “We just lost our right engine and would like to declare an emergency and an immediate landing at DCA.” At the time of the incident, 14 individuals were on board, and the plane had approximately 2½ hours of fuel remaining.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Arlington, Virginia, received the emergency call from the pilot at around 1:35 p.m. ET. This call cited “a possible mechanical issue” and requested diversion to Reagan Airport. In a statement, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed, “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.”
Mullin shared details of the emergency landing via a post, crediting the United States Coast Guard pilots for their skill. “The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine,” Mullin remarked. “No panic, just straight professionalism. After we landed, the pilots told me that was a first for them! We could not have been in better hands.”
The Department of Homeland Security, responsible for overseeing the Coast Guard, has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.