Shortly thereafter, the light aircraft Cessna Citation flew out of Washington DC airspace, before crashing and exploding in Montebello, Virginia.
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| Cessna Citation, the type of aircraft that suddenly entered the sky of Washington DC (USA) on the afternoon of June 4 before crashing and exploding in a nearby area. (Source: Getty Images) |
On June 4, US officials confirmed that the Pentagon had sent F-6 fighter jets in high-speed pursuit with a Cessna Citation light aircraft into the sky over the capital. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the light aircraft mentioned above then crashed in an area near George Washington National Forest, Montebello area, Virginia. The impact caused a loud explosion, which could be heard in Washington DC
The US official also confirmed that the F-16 was not involved in the explosion. An informed source revealed that the crashed Cessna Citation was believed to be on autopilot and did not respond to signals from US authorities. It is not clear why the pilot did not respond, or whether there were casualties in the above-mentioned plane crash.
However, the explosion is said to be no concern for the safety of the US President. It is known that when the explosion took place Sunday afternoon, Joe Biden was playing golf with his brother Jimmy near Andrews Military Airport. The White House said the US President was briefed on the incident.
Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, said state law enforcement and local police are still searching for the plane. Search and rescue teams did not reach the identified area by air due to fog, low clouds at Blue Ridge Mountain.
Reportedly, the Cessna Citation took off from Elizabethton City Airport in Tennessee, with a destination at MacArthur Airport in Long Island, New York state. The FAA also said the plane was owned by Florida-based Encore Motors (USA). Business owner John Rumpel said his family is believed to be on the plane that crashed. However, he is still talking to the FAA to clarify things.
Before that, on social networks Twitter, residents in Washington DC confirmed hearing a very loud sound or explosion. Some said the explosion shook walls and floors. Meanwhile, others claim to have heard explosions as far north as Virginia and Maryland.
According to the Cessna aircraft manufacturer's website, the Cessna Citation light jet can carry from 7 to 12 passengers with a maximum range of 6.300 km, depending on the version.
