US Defense Secretary C-32 Emergency Landing

C-32 emergency landing: a USAF VIP jet diverted to RAF Mildenhall after crews found a cockpit crack.

On October 15, 2025, a U.S. Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-32 carrying U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom after a crack was discovered in the cockpit mid-flight. The aircraft landed safely and no injuries were reported.

C-32 emergency landing — what we know

The C-32 is operated by the USAF and is used for high-level government transport. Officials say an inspection is now underway to establish the cause of the cockpit crack and to assess any implications for upcoming official travel. RAF Mildenhall, a Royal Air Force base in England used regularly for U.S. operations, handled the diversion.

The incident has renewed attention on the maintenance and age profiles of U.S. government transport aircraft. While this event did not result in harm, it highlights the operational checks and redundancy required when flying senior officials. Agencies typically ground aircraft for thorough checks when structural issues are suspected.

• Aircraft: Boeing C-32 operated by the USAF (U.S. Air Force)
• Date & location: October 15, 2025 — RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom
• Passenger/subject: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin; no injuries reported
• Action taken: Inspection underway and follow-up assessments planned; C-32 emergency landing prompted immediate ground checks

Officials have not released a flight number or detailed timeline of events beyond the confirmation of the cockpit crack and the safe landing. Further technical findings will determine whether the issue is an isolated maintenance defect or part of a broader fleet concern. For now, the priority for military and diplomatic teams is ensuring the Secretary’s travel continuity while safety protocols complete their review.