Air Force One forced to abort landing attempt

Weather causes difficulties, but presidential aircraft touches down safely in Connecticut with only a slight delay

Published May 18, 2011 5:59PM (EDT)

President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, May 10, 2011, as he travels to the U.S.-Mexico border at El Paso, Texas, to speak about immigration reform, Tuesday, May 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (AP)
President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, May 10, 2011, as he travels to the U.S.-Mexico border at El Paso, Texas, to speak about immigration reform, Tuesday, May 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (AP)

Air Force One with President Barack Obama aboard made an aborted landing attempt at the Windsor Locks, Conn., airport Wednesday before trying again and landing safely, officials said.

The White House and Federal Aviation Administration say it was a routine maneuver where the pilot was in the process of landing, but because of weather conditions decided to circle the runway before trying again and landing safely.

The sky was heavily clouded in Connecticut, where the president traveled Wednesday to deliver the commencement address at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London.

White House spokesman Nick Shapiro said there was never any risk to the president. Reporters on the plane say they were not aware that the landing maneuver -- which is called a "go around" -- was happening.


By Associated Press

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