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First Lady’s Plane Lands Safely After ‘Mechanical Issue,’ Smoke

Posted at 9:28 AM, Oct 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-17 10:18:26-04

(NBC News) — A plane carrying first lady Melania Trump returned to Joint Base Andrews shortly after takeoff on Wednesday after a “mechanical issue” caused smoke and the smell of something burning.

Reporters traveling with her on the plane said a burning smell filled the cabin about ten minutes after takeoff, and “a thin haze of smoke” was visible. Reporters were given wet towels to cover their faces if the smell worsened, but the smoke dissipated before the plane landed safely back at Andrews. The press was told that the incident was due to a “mechanical issue.”

An airplane carrying first lady Melania Trump has landed at Andrews AFB after diverting back due to what is being described as a “mechanical issue.”

About 10 minutes after takeoff, press members saw Secret Service head toward front of plane; they could see a thin haze of smoke and smell something burning; press were brought wet towels and told to hold them over faces if smell became too strong.