When a business jet failed to respond to air traffic control instructions, federal aviation officials say they reported the situation within minutes to a network that includes military, security and law enforcement agencies.

The Cessna Citation pilot was "slumped over" controls when F-16 pilots intercepted the plane about 30 minutes before it crashed in Virginia, officials said.

The business jet that was intercepted by U.S. fighter planes before crashing in a remote part of Virginia lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff, according to new information from aviation officials.

Four responders who were first to arrive at the scene of the private plane crash near Raphine, Virginia, told CNN the plane left a “crater,” and they believe it impacted the ground at a very steep angle.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. Officials were at the crash site Monday to begin “documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” it said.

The pilot of a business jet that flew over Washington and crashed in a remote part of Virginia appeared to be slumped over and unresponsive, three U.S. officials said.

A sonic boom startled residents across Washington and parts of Maryland and Virginia as fighters pursued an unresponsive plane on Sunday.