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  4. Air and Marine Operations aircrew responds to in-flight emergency; assists passenger in safe landing

Air and Marine Operations aircrew responds to in-flight emergency; assists passenger in safe landing

Release Date
Tue, 10/08/2024

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) aircrew responded to an in-flight emergency, providing critical instructions to a passenger that enabled a safe landing in Bakersfield, California on Oct. 4, 2024.

On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contacted AMO’s Riverside Air Unit requesting assistance in response to an in-air emergency where the pilot in command had become incapacitated with a single passenger on-board. An airborne MEA aircrew responded, coordinating with the Air and Marine Operations Center for flight path guidance.

The MEA aircrew established radio and visual contact with the passenger, working with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to provided flight instruction and guide the passenger to a safe landing at Meadows Field Airport. The passenger, familiar with the aircraft but without a pilot’s license, successfully landed the plane without injury.

“The passenger was able to land the plane without injury,” stated Brandon J. Tucker, Director of Air and Marine Operations, San Diego Air and Marine Branch. “This is a true testament to the expertise of our aviation crews, the quick coordination by our FAA partners, and the collaboration by all involved to ensure a safe ending.”

AMO safeguards our nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO serves as the nation’s experts in airborne and maritime law enforcement.

In fiscal year 2023, AMO enforcement actions resulted in 1,004 arrests and 89,909 apprehensions of undocumented individuals, as well as the seizure or disruption of 256,883 pounds of cocaine, 2,049 pounds of fentanyl, 4,050 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,200 weapons, and $15.3 million.

For more information about CBP, visit: CBP.gov, Flickr, DVIDS, or follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

Last Modified: Oct 08, 2024