A U.S. Coast Guard C-37A jet carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and 13 other individuals made an emergency landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday afternoon after the aircraft experienced an engine failure midflight.
The right engine failed, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and request an immediate landing, according to air traffic control audio obtained by multiple outlets. The plane landed safely at 1:35 p.m. ET and was inspected by airport fire and rescue personnel before being cleared from the runway. There were no disruptions to other flights, and no injuries were reported.
Pilot’s account and Mullin’s response
The pilot informed air traffic control, “We just lost our right engine and would like to declare an emergency and immediate landing at DCA,” and noted the aircraft had 2.5 hours of fuel remaining. Following the landing, Mullin posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine. 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.”
Aircraft details and safety protocols
The C-37A is a military version of the Gulfstream V jet, used to transport senior Coast Guard and DHS officials. The 25-year-old aircraft has faced scrutiny in the past over aging avionics and communications systems. Last year, the DHS requested $50 million in its fiscal year 2025 spending plan to replace the aging executive jet, citing significant obsolescence issues.
Department of Homeland Security response
The DHS has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard directed inquiries to the DHS. The airport confirmed the plane was thoroughly checked by fire and rescue personnel before being removed from the runway.
Flight path and passenger list
The jet was en route from Georgia to Washington, D.C., when the emergency occurred. The 14 passengers included Mullin and other DHS officials. The Coast Guard has not disclosed the identities of the other individuals onboard.
No immediate policy changes announced
There were no reports of immediate policy shifts or investigations into the incident as of Wednesday evening. The DHS and Coast Guard have not indicated whether additional safety reviews will be conducted beyond standard post-landing procedures.