F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept civilian airspace over Washington DC on Tuesday.
Local residents and office workers heard a sonic boom as the warplanes swooped to ensure the plane remained clear of restricted airspace at around 11.15am.
The DC region is protected by one of the most tightly controlled airspace zones in the country, known as the Special Flight Rules Area.
It requires pilots to follow strict procedures and maintain constant communication with air traffic control to prevent unauthorized incursions within the 30-nautical-mile radius.
File photo of a USAF F-16 fighter jet
