Mullin’s Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

The update

A Coast Guard jet carrying Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made an emergency landing Wednesday afternoon after one of its engines failed. The pilot reported the loss of an engine to air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, declaring an emergency with 14 people on board. Mullin later praised the pilots’ handling, stating “The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine. No panic, just straight professionalism.” The plane landed safely and was checked by rescue personnel before proceeding off the runway.

Why it matters

This incident highlights both the professionalism of emergency responders and concerns about aircraft safety protocols for high-ranking government officials. The Coast Guard aircraft involved was a 22-year-old C-37A, the military version of a Gulfstream V jet, which DHS had previously noted faces “significant avionics and communications obsolescence issues.” The department had requested $50 million to replace aging Coast Guard executive jets, citing that the existing jet had been in service “beyond its usable hours.” The emergency landing underscores the real-world implications of aging government aircraft.

What to watch

Review of Coast Guard’s aircraft maintenance protocols following this incident. Congressional response to the $50 million funding request for replacing executive jets. DHS’s timeline for addressing the avionics and communications issues in its aging fleet.

Sources

• cbsnews.com — Details about the emergency landing and Mullin's response
• thehill.com — Additional reporting on the incident