Plane flies into restricted space, forced to land

[June 01, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Military aircraft forced a private Cessna aircraft to land near Chicago after it flew into a temporary restricted zone established for President Barack Obama's weekend visit to his home there.

Army Maj. Mike Humphreys of the North American Aerospace Defense Command said the incident happened Sunday night. The private plane flew about two miles into the restricted zone and then was forced to land at nearby Lewis University Airport.

Temporary no-fly zones are established routinely for presidential visits. Humphreys said such incursions are not unusual.

The plane was intercepted by two F-15s on patrol in the area and a Coast Guard helicopter. The president and his family are staying at his Chicago home for the Memorial Day holiday.

[Associated Press]

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