The Federal Aviation Administration says the Cessna Citation took off from Elizabethtown, Tennessee, (EKX/KEKX) on Sunday heading for Islip-Long Island MacArthur Airport, NY (ISP/KISP).
U.S. official confirmed to that the military jet had scrambled to respond to the small plane, which later crashed. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the military operation and spoke on condition of anonymity.
ADS-B data show that the airplane conducted a course reversal about 1 hour 15 minutes into the flight, the airplane then flew past the reported destination of Long Island MacArthur Airport and continued on a straight path for about 50 miles. The data shows that the airplane began a rapid descending right spiral from 34,000 feet, followed by another spiral at 20,000 feet.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command later said in a statement that the F-16 was authorized to travel at supersonic speeds, which caused a sonic boom.
"During this event, the NORAD aircraft also used flares – which may have been visible to the public – in an attempt to draw attention from the pilot," the statement said. "Flares are employed with highest regard for safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground. Flares burn out quickly and completely and there is no danger to the people on the ground when dispensed."
The plane that crashed was registered to Encore Motors of Melbourne Inc. A woman who identified herself as Barbara Rumpel, who is listed as the president of the company in Melbourne, Florida, said she had no comment Sunday when reached by a reporter.
It was not immediately clear why the plane was nonresponsive, why it crashed or how many people were on board.
ADS-B data show that the airplane conducted a course reversal about 1 hour 15 minutes into the flight, the airplane then flew past the reported destination of Long Island MacArthur Airport and continued on a straight path for about 50 miles. The data shows that the airplane began a rapid descending right spiral from 34,000 feet, followed by another spiral at 20,000 feet.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command later said in a statement that the F-16 was authorized to travel at supersonic speeds, which caused a sonic boom.
"During this event, the NORAD aircraft also used flares – which may have been visible to the public – in an attempt to draw attention from the pilot," the statement said. "Flares are employed with highest regard for safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground. Flares burn out quickly and completely and there is no danger to the people on the ground when dispensed."
The plane that crashed was registered to Encore Motors of Melbourne Inc. A woman who identified herself as Barbara Rumpel, who is listed as the president of the company in Melbourne, Florida, said she had no comment Sunday when reached by a reporter.
It was not immediately clear why the plane was nonresponsive, why it crashed or how many people were on board.
Aircraft Information:
Owner: Encore Motors of Melbourne Inc
Aircraft: Cessna 560 Citation
Registration: N611GV
Serial Number: 560-0091
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