Beech Twin Directed To Land In Richmond

A small general aviation aircraft was intercepted by F-16s over Washington, DC Wednesday evening, after apparently violating restricted airspace around the nation's capital.

Federal law enforcement officials told CNN the twin-engine Beechcraft flew in airspace near the US Capitol shortly after 1800 local time.

"Two F-16's scrambled and intercepted the aircraft within the restricted airspace. The fighter pilots identified the aircraft and escorted it outside of the restricted airspace," said NORAD spokesman Lt. Col. John Cornelio.

FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said the aircraft entered the 30-mile-radius Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) overhanging Washington, DC and surrounding areas from the north at 14,500 feet. It was not immediately clear whether the aircraft entered the 15-nautical-mile-wide Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) at the center of the ADIZ, directly over DC.

The F-16s escorted the aircraft away from restricted airspace, and air traffic controllers directed the plane to land in Richmond, VA to meet authorities. At no time did the plane pose any danger, officials stressed.

FMI: www.tfr.faa.gov