Fighter jets were scrambled over Washington DC on Thursday after a civilian aircraft violated restricted airspace, with residents reporting hearing a loud sonic boom.
Incident Details
The F-16 fighter jets were deployed around 11:15 a.m. local time to intercept a general aviation aircraft that had entered the Special Flight Rules Area, a highly controlled zone protecting the US capital. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the restricted area without further incident, according to officials.
Residents across the Washington metropolitan area reported hearing a loud boom, which was later confirmed to be a sonic boom produced by the F-16s as they accelerated to intercept the intruding plane.
Airspace Security
Washington DC is protected by one of the most tightly controlled airspace zones in the United States, known as the Special Flight Rules Area. Pilots must follow strict procedures and maintain constant communication with air traffic control to prevent unauthorised incursions within the 30-nautical-mile radius. The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) emphasised the importance of checking all FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), particularly in the National Capital Region and Mar-a-Lago areas.
In a statement on X, NORAD said: "Earlier today, NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region safely intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated #FAA restricted airspace over the United States National Capital Region, and escorted it clear of the area without further incident."
The incident caused temporary disruption, but no injuries or damage were reported. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the airspace violation.
