USAF C-17A Experiences In-Flight Emergency
On the evening of September 3, 2025, a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, with flight number MC3248, diverted to RAF Mildenhall. The aircraft, registered as 04-4128, was traveling from Glasgow Prestwick Airport in the UK to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey when it declared an emergency.
Details of the Emergency
- Time of Emergency Declaration: 19:26 BST
- Cause: An oil leak led to the precautionary shutdown of one engine.
- Landing: The aircraft landed safely at RAF Mildenhall, where emergency teams were prepared to assist the crew.
Response and Next Steps
Following the landing, the U.S. Air Mobility Command is coordinating repairs to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness before it continues its journey. This incident highlights the robust design of the C-17 and the effectiveness of the crew’s response to in-flight technical issues.
C-17A Fleet Details
As recorded in the USAF Almanac as of September 2023, the United States Air Force operates a fleet of 222 C-17A aircraft.
