White House evacuated in plane scare

WASHINGTON - Fighter jets scrambled over Washington and authorities hurriedly evacuated the White House and the US Congress today when an unidentified plane roamed into restricted airspace, sparking fears of a September 11-style attack.

The light private Cessna ignored calls from air traffic controllers and entered the restricted zone around Washington, coming within 5km of the Capitol before turning away, authorities said.

The plane's approach sent at least two F-16 fighter jets into the air over the US capital and hundreds of staff and tourists into the streets outside the Capitol building, White House and Supreme Court in an urgent evacuation.

President George Bush was not at the White House at the time, having gone on a bicycle ride at a wildlife preserve in the suburbs. Vice President Dick Cheney was in the West Wing and was quickly moved to a secure location, an administration official said.

The Cessna, which turned away from the Capitol after it approached then turned back, was escorted to Frederick, Maryland, and the pilot was taken into police custody, a US Homeland Security official said.

- REUTERS