MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - Fighter jets intercepted and chased down two small planes that violated flight restrictions set up in Florida for US President Barack Obama’s visit, CNN reported on Sunday, referring to officials from the US Defense Department.
The first plane, a Cessna 152, entered the restricted airspace before noon Saturday near the Palm City resort where the president is staying, according to Army Lt. Col. Mike Humphreys.
The military's North American Aerospace Defense Command sent an F-16 fighter jet and a Coast Guard helicopter to intercept the plane. The F-16 flew with the plane until it landed at Witham Field in nearby Stuart. The Secret Service and the Federal Aviation Administration are now investigating the incident.
Five hours later, F-16s intercepted a Lancair 320, a smaller craft that seats two passengers. The plane left the restricted airspace after the fighter jets arrived and "continued to its destination,” the defense command said.
Obama is spending the weekend at the Floridian resort in Palm City to take a brief rest and play golf.
Small planes occasionally enter areas temporarily restricted when the US president travels.
A year ago, a Cessna 182 plane was intercepted over Obama's airspace in Los Angeles. The plane was found to be carrying 10 kilograms of what appeared to be marijuana, according to a law enforcement official.
