Osprey ferrying White House staff in New York grounded after witness reports flames

NEW YORK -- An Osprey being used to ferry White House staff and government officials from an event in New York on Monday was grounded due to a safety concern, with one witness reporting flames under the right engine.

The staff and officials were removed from the aircraft, part of the Marine Corps HMX-1 presidential helicopter fleet, and transferred to a second Osprey to continue their trip accompanying President Joe Biden at a "Friendsgiving" event with members of the U.S. Coast Guard in Staten Island.

The issue caused only a minor delay for Biden's return to Washington on Monday evening.