Civilian pilot faces FAA probe after F-16 headbutts jet near Mar-a-Lago

A North American Aerospace Defense Command fighter jet forced a civilian aircraft to exit restricted airspace near the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday.

The interception occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. ET. An F-16 deployed by NORAD flew closely in front of the civilian plane to gain the pilot's attention. The military described this tactic, known as the headbutt maneuver, as a standard procedure.

The maneuver allowed the F-16 to establish communication with the pilot. The pilot subsequently steered the aircraft out of the restricted zone in compliance with flight instructions, NORAD officials stated.

The civilian aircraft had violated a Temporary Flight Restriction over the area. The command noted that the pilot could face federal authorities upon landing and be subject to enforcement action.

The Federal Aviation Administration issues these restrictions for various reasons, including political rallies and events attended by high-profile figures. The FAA transmits details of these limits to pilots through Notices to Airmen.

President Donald Trump was in West Palm Beach on Saturday to cast an early ballot for the upcoming midterm elections. He and First Lady Melania Trump visited a polling station in the afternoon. When asked if he voted along party lines, the president said, "Very much so." He later traveled to Georgia for a campaign rally.

This incident follows similar interceptions earlier this month. NORAD reported that F-16s intercepted a plane over Clemson, South Carolina, while the president supported a Senate campaign. A similar event took place over Cincinnati, Ohio, days before that.