Air Force One executes missed approach in Connecticut
Updated 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time
With President Obama aboard, Air Force One executed a missed approach at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut this morning, the Federal Aviation Administration confirms to CBS News.
Deputy FAA administrator Laura Brown says Air Force One was on final approach to Bradley in poor weather when, around 9:50 am, it executed a go-around. It eventually landed at approximately 10:05 am. The airplane did not touch down and take off again, Brown said.
The White House confirmed that the airplane did not land on first attempt. It said the pilot decided to circle around because of weather before landing, adding that the maneuver was standard and safe.
A missed approach or "go-around" is a procedure that pilots often execute in poor visibility conditions when the runway is not fully visible on final approach. It is considered the prudent thing to do in such circumstances.
Here's a transcription of the the Air Traffic Control (ATC) audio recording from the incident:
ATC: Air Force One turn right heading zero two zero
ATC: Air Force One you're three miles from honey turn right heading zero four zero...
ATC: Air Force One your capture ok?
AF1: Air Force One we're established
ATC: Air Force One contact Bradley tower...
AF1: tower Air Force One's executing missed approach
ATC: Air Force One roger maintain three thousand...
ATC TO ANOTHER AIRCRAFT: VIP just missed approach so he's gonna come back for another try...
ATC: Air Force One turn right heading two three zero
AF1: two three zero Air Force One
ATC: Air Force One did you wanna go a little bit farther out for the intercept this time?
ATC: Air Force One turn right heading two five zero
AF1: Air Force One for the weather how about a left turn to two two zero?
ATC: Okay left at two two zero Air Force One
ATC: Air Force One cleared to land runway six
Mr. Obama is in Connecticut to deliver the commencement speech at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
In April, a plane carrying First Lady Michelle Obama aborted its landing when it came within a few miles of a C-17 cargo plane that was also approaching Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.