Two U.S. Coast Guard helicopters late Saturday morning intercepted a small plane after it entered restricted airspace near Washington, D.C., officials said.
Two Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Miami fly in formation over the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo by PAC Dana Warr/US Coast Guard)
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said two U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopters were ordered to intercept the small plane when it entered restricted airspace at around 11.50 a.m. EDT.
“Upon being intercepted, the aircraft was diverted to Annapolis where the pilot was to meet with local law enforcement,” NORAD said in a brief statement, without giving other details.
On Monday, two U.S. Coast Guard helicopters also intercepted a small plane when it entered restricted airspace near Washington, D.C. The aircraft was allowed to continue to its destination after being visually identified.
And earlier this month, two F-15 fighter jets out of Jacksonville International Airport in Florida were alerted when a small Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft remained out of radio contact while near restricted airspace over Camp David, the country retreat of the president. It landed without incident after being escorted out of the area.
