National

Melania Trump's plane turns around after 'burning' smell reported on board

First lady Melania Trump arrives at McAllen Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, Thursday, June 21, 2018, to visit the Ursula Border Patrol Processing Center and the Upbring New Hope Children Center.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A plane carrying first lady Melania Trump was forced to turn around shortly after takeoff Wednesday after reports of a "burning smell" by members of the press on board the flight.

One reporter said there was "a thin haze of smoke and smell something burning."

The smell quickly became stronger about 10 minutes after takeoff, she added.

TRENDING STORIES:

The smell was reportedly coming from "a malfunctioning comms unit" on board. The first lady's communications director Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that it was simply a "minor mechanical issue," and added, "everything is fine and everyone is safe."

Trump was on her way to Philadelphia for a visit to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital related to her "Be Best" campaign. She could be seen safely walking off the plane after the flight returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.