US Defense Secretary’s Plane Diverts to UK After Windshield Crack

A United States Air Force Boeing C-32A transport aircraft, carrying Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, was forced to divert to the United Kingdom on March 14, 2024, due to a cracked windshield. The plane was returning from a NATO meeting in Belgium when it encountered the issue while flying over the Atlantic Ocean, leading to an unscheduled landing at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The aircraft, which took off from Brussels Airport at 16:50 local time, was en route to the United States when it began to descend after approximately an hour of flight. It issued the emergency squawk code of 7700, indicating the urgent nature of the situation. The aircraft dropped to an altitude of 10,000 feet, likely to mitigate any pressurization concerns caused by the cracked windshield.

According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, “Hegseth’s plane made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom due to a crack in the aircraft windshield. The plane landed based on standard procedures, and everyone onboard, including Secretary Hegseth, is safe.” The aircraft safely landed at RAF Mildenhall at 19:08 local time, after spending three hours and 18 minutes in the air.

While the aircraft remains on the ground in the UK, its departure has not yet been confirmed. It is unclear whether the delay is related to the cracked windshield or crew duty hour limitations.

Context of the Unplanned Stopover

Hegseth had attended a NATO Defense Minister meeting in Belgium prior to this incident. The C-32A, registered as 98-0002, is typically used for transporting high-ranking officials. Notably, it is more common for the Secretary of Defense to travel on the Boeing E-4B ‘Nightwatch,’ an Advanced Airborne Command Post aircraft. The E-4B, operational since 1973, is undergoing replacement considerations due to its age.

The C-32A is one of six aircraft in the United States Air Force’s C-32 series. These modified Boeing 757-200 jets are categorized into four C-32A units and two C-32B units, with the latter designated for airlift missions. The C-32A serves as a VIP transport aircraft and can accommodate up to 55 passengers, featuring a configuration of two first-class and 53 business-class seats.

Operational Details of the C-32A

The specific aircraft involved in the incident, 98-0002, is 27.5 years old, having first flown in April 1998. The C-32 series plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel for senior government officials. Its modified design is intended to ensure both comfort and security for the individuals on board.

As of Thursday morning, March 15, 2024, the C-32A remains stationed in the UK, with further updates on its status expected. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols during military and governmental flights, ensuring that officials can travel securely and reliably.