Fighter jet uses "headbutt maneuver" to intercept plane near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort

October 26, 2026 / 9:07 AM EDT / CBS News

Fighter jet uses "headbutt maneuver" to intercept plane near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort

TL;DR

  • An F-16 fighter jet used a "headbutt maneuver" to intercept a civilian plane near President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
  • The incident occurred on Saturday when the plane entered restricted airspace, violating a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).
  • The "headbutt maneuver" is a standard NORAD tactic used to gain a pilot's attention and establish communication.
  • The civilian pilot complied with instructions and steered the plane out of restricted airspace, but could face enforcement action.
  • TFRs are often enacted for events attended by high-profile political figures, including the president, and pilots are expected to monitor NOTAMs for such restrictions.