Pilots Responsible For Capital Scare Won’t Be Charged
Pilots Responsible For Capital Scare Won’t Be Charged Save Email Print
Posted: 5:45 PM May 11, 2005
Last Updated: 5:19 PM May 11, 2005

A | A | A

The intrusion into restricted airspace over the nation’s capital that led to an urgent evacuation of both the White House and the U.S. Capitol appears to have been accidental, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said late Wednesday afternoon.

The two pilots responsible for the scare won’t be charged, officials said.

Maryland state police were waiting on the ground Wednesday when the small plane that flew to within 3 miles of the White House landed under fighter and military helicopter escort in Fredrick, Md.

Relatives and friends said the two men aboard the plane were flying to an air show in North Carolina.

The alert level at the White House was raised briefly Wednesday to red because of the approaching plane, whose pilot was not responding to radio warnings about the airspace violation.

Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland as officials ordered rapid evacuations of the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

The pilots of the fighters fired four warning flares to get the attention of the errant pilot, said public affairs officer Air Force Master Sgt. Arthur Powell.

The fighters then escorted the small plane to Fredrick, Md., the North American Aerospace Defense Command said.

A Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the Department of Homeland Security also followed the plane to Maryland, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

President Bush was in Maryland riding his bicycle at the time of the incident, but Vice President Dick Cheney was at the White House and was evacuated by motorcade.

First Lady Laura Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, who is staying in the White House while in Washington to attend a fundraiser, were moved to a secure area, McClellan said.

Since the 9/11 attacks, the airspace over the capital has been tightly controlled.

The government established an Air Defense Identification Zone 30-miles in diameter around Reagan Washington National Airport and a Flight Restricted Zone within an inner area that’s 15-miles in diameter.

Pilots in the defense identification zone must be in communication with air traffic controllers and most transmit four-digit identifier codes as well as take other steps to let controllers know their identities and intentions.

More Stories
Former NFL QB Steve McNair Shot To Death

Fireworks Explosion Kills One, Injures Four Saturday

Man Dies In Early-Morning Texas Shooting

Giant Independence Day Tea Party Planned In Texas

Holiday Subdued In Small Town With Killer On The Loose

Most Texas Prison Inmates Face The Summer Without AC

Texas Judge Orders Force-Feeding For Illegal Immigrant

Century-Old Shiner Beer More Popular Than Ever

KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Secretary to VP - Sedona Staffing is seeking a Secretary for VP of Local Hospital. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Outlook Express Accurate typing of 70 wpm. Excellent written and verbal communication. Must be flexible and able to work under pressure. Must be neat, organized, and professional.

Applications are accepted at the Plant Security Office, 3000 Pegasus Dr., Temple or may be submitted through the Texas Workforce Center in Temple or Killeen.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
View More Jobs.