2 Pilots Breach Restricted Space Over Bush Rallies
Two small private aircraft violated restricted air space Saturday over two of President Bush’s campaign rallies in central Florida, authorities said. In both incidents, fighter jets escorted the planes to nearby airfields.
A small aircraft flew too close to Bush’s rally at Ty Cobb Field in Lakeland and was led to Gilbert Field in Winter Haven, a Secret Service spokesman said. Later, in Melbourne, an F-15 escorted a plane to Merritt Island Airport near Cocoa Beach, said an Federal Aviation Administration spokesman.
In Lakeland, Richard Hart, a Winter Haven businessman, was escorted to the ground after he violated the restricted airspace, said Col. Grady Judd, Polk County sheriff’s spokesman.
Robert Hargrave was heading from Georgia to Boca Raton, Fla., when he violated the 30-mile-wide ring of restricted airspace over the Melbourne rally. Hargrave was flying at about 1,200 feet.
Fighter jets dropped flares and made several passes while trying to contact the pilot by radio as he passed the stadium. When Hargrave realized he was flying in restricted airspace, he turned around -- sending him north, directly over the stadium.
The Secret Service interviewed both pilots. The FAA will determine whether further action should be taken.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
