US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's plane makes emergency landing in UK
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s plane had to make an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom after a crack was discovered in the aircraft’s windshield.
Mr Hegseth was returning to the United States from a NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Belgium when the issue was detected mid-flight.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the incident on social media, writing: “Secretary of War Hegseth’s plane made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom due to a crack in the aircraft windshield.
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Mr Hegseth later responded after landing safely, posting: “All good. Thank God. Continue mission!”
BBC Verify reported the plane began losing altitude off the southwest coast of Ireland before turning east, descending to about 10,000 feet, according to FlightRadar24 data.
At that point, the aircraft broadcast a “7700 squawk code” — an emergency signal indicating a general in-flight issue, which can range from engine failure to cabin depressurisation or medical emergencies.
This is not the first time US military aircraft carrying senior officials has suffered mechanical issues recently.
Earlier this year, a US Air Force plane transporting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Munich, was forced to return to Washington after experiencing a mechanical problem.
