US President Donald Trump ’s helicopter was forced into an unscheduled landing on Thursday after a hydraulic fault grounded Marine One during his return to Stansted Airport at the end of his state visit to Britain.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident was caused by a “minor hydraulic issue.” She said: “Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport. The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.”
The diversion saw Marine One land at Luton, where emergency services were waiting on the tarmac. Images captured both Marine One and its twin, Marine Two, idling just off the runway.
Marine One and its decoys are specially fitted “white tops” equipped with missile defence systems and radar-jamming technology. The aircraft are usually accompanied by Osprey MV-22s – known as “green tops” – carrying support staff, Secret Service agents and equipment for emergencies.
The precaution came at the end of a trip marked by warmth between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The pair signed a science and technology pact, welcomed £150 billion in fresh US investment, and discussed Ukraine, Gaza and tariffs.
At Chequers, Trump said: “The bond between our countries is like no other anywhere in the world. The US and UK have done more good for the planet than any other nation in history.” Starmer responded that “time and time again, it is British and American men and women, side by side, changing the path of history.”
The visit also featured pageantry from King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. Trump praised them as “two fantastic people” and said he was “tremendously thankful” for their hospitality.
No injuries were reported after the helicopter landing, and Trump departed Britain later that evening.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the incident was caused by a “minor hydraulic issue.” She said: “Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted Airport. The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter.”
The diversion saw Marine One land at Luton, where emergency services were waiting on the tarmac. Images captured both Marine One and its twin, Marine Two, idling just off the runway.
Marine One and its decoys are specially fitted “white tops” equipped with missile defence systems and radar-jamming technology. The aircraft are usually accompanied by Osprey MV-22s – known as “green tops” – carrying support staff, Secret Service agents and equipment for emergencies.
The precaution came at the end of a trip marked by warmth between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The pair signed a science and technology pact, welcomed £150 billion in fresh US investment, and discussed Ukraine, Gaza and tariffs.
At Chequers, Trump said: “The bond between our countries is like no other anywhere in the world. The US and UK have done more good for the planet than any other nation in history.” Starmer responded that “time and time again, it is British and American men and women, side by side, changing the path of history.”
The visit also featured pageantry from King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. Trump praised them as “two fantastic people” and said he was “tremendously thankful” for their hospitality.
No injuries were reported after the helicopter landing, and Trump departed Britain later that evening.
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