A pilot who took off from Moore County Airport in Southern Pines got an unexpected escort Friday afternoon after flying into restricted airspace during President Donald Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg.

According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the aircraft entered a temporary flight restriction zone around 3:35 p.m. A 30-mile restriction was in place, which is typical during what the Federal Aviation Administration calls special VIP movement.

Trump was at Fort Bragg speaking with military members at the time.

NORAD said F-16 fighter jets were launched and intercepted the aircraft, using standard procedures to get the pilot’s attention and guide the plane to a safe landing.

As part of that intercept, NORAD aircraft dispensed flares. Those flares were visible in the Lillington area Friday afternoon, and NORAD said they burn out quickly and pose no danger to people on the ground.

Officials later identified the aircraft as a Beech 58 Baron. The plane is registered to LOUD LLC in Carthage, according to registration information.

Moore County News has confirmed the pilot told officials he was headed to Johnston County to have dinner with his family, and family members were on board the aircraft with him.

The pilot also told officials he was unaware of the temporary flight restriction because of a setting on the iPad he uses to check flight charts.

The plane was escorted and later landed safely at Harnett County Jetport without incident, officials said.

Harnett County Jetport Director Brad Abate said the pilot spoke with the FAA as soon as he landed and remained at the Jetport for several hours before being allowed to fly the aircraft back to Southern Pines.

There was no indication Trump was ever in danger.

NORAD said the situation is a reminder for pilots to check Notices to Airmen, also known as NOTAMs, before flying, especially when temporary flight restrictions are in place.