Coast Guard Plane Carrying Senator Mullin Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

A United States Coast Guard aircraft carrying the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin made an emergency landing on Wednesday after one of its engines failed during a mission along the southern border, according to statements from Mullin's office and federal officials.

The aircraft, a Coast Guard C-37A was conducting a border surveillance flight when the mechanical failure occurred. Everyone on board landed safely, and no injuries have been reported.

Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, described the incident in a post on social media shortly after the plane touched down. Mullin wrote:

"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." 

The senator continued his message by praising the professionalism of the flight crew and using the moment to underscore the work being performed by federal personnel stationed along the border.

 "These are the men and women protecting our country every single day, and we are grateful for their service," he added.

What Happened During the Flight

According to information released by Mullin's office, the aircraft was in the middle of an operational mission surveying activity along the United States southern border when the engine failure took place. Coast Guard pilots followed standard emergency protocols and guided the aircraft to a safe landing.

The C-37A is a twin-engine, military version of a Gulfstream V jet used as a medium-range surveillance aircraft to carry senior Coast Guard and DHS officials, including the secretary. DHS oversees the Coast Guard. The aircraft is designed to continue flying on a single engine in the event of a mechanical failure, a capability that likely contributed to the safe outcome of Wednesday's incident.

Neither Mullin's office nor the Department of Homeland Security has released detailed information about the exact location of the emergency landing or the specific cause of the engine failure. The Coast Guard is expected to conduct a full review of the mechanical issue in the coming days.

Secretary's Border Tour

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued an official statement addressing the incident directly, though Mullin's account has been widely circulated by news outlets and confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the flight.

Secretary Mullin, who serves on several committees relevant to national security and infrastructure, has been an active participant in congressional oversight trips to the border. His appearance reflects the coordination between Congress and the executive branch on immigration and border enforcement matters.

Coast Guard Response

The United States Coast Guard, which operates as part of the Department of Homeland Security, routinely provides air support for border operations along both coastal and inland regions. The service's aircraft crews undergo extensive training to handle emergencies, including engine failures at various altitudes and flight conditions.

Aviation safety officials will likely examine maintenance records, engine performance data, and flight crew procedures as part of a standard investigation. The findings of that review have not been made public and may take weeks or months to complete.

Reactions and Next Steps

Mullin's public expression of gratitude toward the Coast Guard crew drew responses from colleagues in Congress and members of the public who wished the secretary and the aircrew well following the incident.

There has been no indication that Secretary Mullin sustained any injuries, and both officials are expected to continue their planned activities in the coming days. The Coast Guard has not confirmed whether the aircraft involved in Wednesday's incident will remain grounded pending a full mechanical inspection.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with the work performed by military and federal aviation crews, particularly those flying repeated missions in support of border operations. For now, officials involved have focused their public messaging on gratitude toward the flight crew that brought the aircraft down safely.