single engine plane shattered the side of an Austin office building in the same complex that houses an FBI office.
The crash is believed to be accidental and not terrorism related, national security officials told ABC News.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was promptly briefed on the crash, DHS spokesman Matt Chandler told ABC News.
"The Secretary is aware of the situation in Austin. We do not yet know the cause of the plane crash. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a nexus to criminal or terrorist activity. We are in the process of coordinating with state officials and other federal partners to gather more information. At this time, we will defer additional questions to local officials and the FAA," Chandler said.
Norad spokesperson John Cornelio told ABC News that two F-16's jets were launched from Ellington Field in Houston after the plane hit the building as "a prudent precaution consistent with our response to recent similar air incidents." The jets are currently flying a combat air patrol over Austin, Cornelio said.
The FBI confirmed shortly after the crash that its offices were not hit, but St. Edwards University, a private, liberal arts school, was thought to be holding classes in the building at the time of crash. The buildilng was immediately overtaken by flames and thick plumes of black smoke.
Update: The pilot's house is also on fire. The pilot was under Internal Revenue Services's Investigation. This is a criminal investigation now