The Pentagon confirmed in a press release the air incursion of a US aircraft into Venezuelan air space and attributed the event to airworthiness troubles.

"A US S-3 Viking aircraft conducting antinarcotics operations lost its navigational baselines causing it to fly into Venezuelan airspace off the mainland coast," said in a communiqué the Joint Interagency Task Force South, whose main objective is to fight illegal drug trade in the Caribbean, AFP reported.

"The support of the Venezuelan air traffic control has been highly appreciated as they rendered assistance in guiding the US aircraft to international airspace," the communiqué added.

"The incident is subject to an investigation," the military notice stated.

The S-3 Viking, a two-engine aircraft designed originally as an anti-submarine fighter, is used presently for maritime surveillance and in-flight replenishment.

Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Nicolás Maduro earlier on Monday reported a violation of the Venezuelan air space by a US Navy plane. He said he would summon US ambassador to Caracas Patrick Duddy to address the issue, reported Efe.

However, as late as Monday afternoon, the US Embassy in Venezuela had received no official summons. According to the ministry, the chief of mission should explain on Tuesday the event, reported sources of the US embassy.

Translated by Conchita Delgado