Startled New Yorkers reacted angrily after a low-flying plane reminded them of the September 11 attacks.
One of President Barack Obama's official planes and an Air Force fighter jet flew low over the Statue of Liberty for an approved photo opportunity.
The image of a Boeing 747 jumbo jet and an F-16 flying close to the World Trade Center caused people to flee from buildings.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he was "furious" and criticized the federal government and his own administration for failing to warn the public.
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He said: "The good news is it was nothing more than an inconsiderate, badly conceived and insensitive photo op with the taxpayers' money."
Mr Bloomberg blamed the incident on "poor judgement on the part of the Defense Department" and blamed a breakdown in communications at City Hall for failing to inform him ahead of time.
