WASHINGTON – The airplane which was supposed to deliver First Lady Melania Trump to Philadelphia had to make a sudden return to Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday morning because of a “mechanical issue.”
Trump’s rep, Stephanie Grisham, confirmed to USA TODAY there was a “minor mechanical issue” on the plane, which a pool report identified as a Boeing C-32A. Grisham added: “Everything is fine and everyone is safe.”
About 15 minutes into the flight, smoke was visible and a burning scent detectable inside the plane, according to a pool report. A staffer for the first lady then announced the plane had encountered a “mechanical problem” and would return to Joint Base Andrews, the report continued.
Damp washcloths were given to passengers to combat the smell and the plane touched down shortly after 9 a.m., per the report.
Source: Melania Trump’s plane returns to airport after mechanical issue