NORAD intercepts plane near Charleston, sends F-16 fighter jets to escort plane

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say fighter jets intercepted a private plane that veered off its flight plan near Charleston.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, dispatched the F-16 fighters Friday morning and escorted a four-seat Cessna 337 to Charleston Executive Airport.

The pilot was directed to contact the Federal Aviation Administration for follow-up.

A NORAD release says a discrepancy in the plane's flight plan and actual track raised suspicions.

NORAD's mission is to prevent air attacks against the United States and Canada.