DHS Chief Mullin’s Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Fails
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's Coast Guard plane made an emergency landing at Reagan National Airport after complete engine failure with 14 people aboard.
The pilot of the government plane radioed air traffic control to report the critical situation and request immediate clearance to land at Reagan National, also known as DCA.
“We just lost our right engine. We’d like to declare an emergency and [request] immediate landing at DCA,” the pilot communicated to controllers, according to reports. The pilot added that there were 14 people aboard the aircraft and approximately 2.5 hours of fuel remaining.
Secretary Mullin had been returning from Georgia following a stop in New York City the previous day when the mechanical failure occurred.
Secretary Downplays Incident After Safe Landing
Following the successful emergency landing, Mullin sought to reassure the public about the professionalism of the Coast Guard crew handling the crisis. The secretary posted on social media that the pilots executed the single-engine landing with exceptional skill and composure.
The Coast Guard pilots made the landing appear routine despite the emergency circumstances, Mullin stated, noting there was no panic aboard, only professional conduct throughout. He added that after touching down safely, the pilots informed him this was their first experience with such an emergency.
Aging Aircraft Fleet Raises Questions
The aircraft involved in Wednesday’s incident was a C-37A Gulfstream V jet, designated as a C101 by the Coast Guard. The plane had previously been identified for review in the prior year due to concerns about its age.
That review coincided with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s controversial acquisition of two new Gulfstream G700 jets for Coast Guard use. The purchase sparked significant controversy on Capitol Hill when the final cost reached up to 200 million dollars, far exceeding initial projections of 50 million dollars.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the extravagant purchase at the time, highlighting luxury amenities installed in the new aircraft, including sleeping quarters.
The Department of Homeland Security did not provide immediate comment when contacted about Wednesday’s emergency landing.
With information from New York Post
