FAA investigating green laser pointed at plane miles away from Newark Airport
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Federal aviation officials are looking into a serious safety threat near Newark Liberty International Airport.
A United Airlines crew reported being illuminated by a green laser around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, about 14 miles away from the airport.
The flight landed safely, but shining a laser at an aircraft can distract and debilitate a pilot, endangering the lives of everyone on board.
The FAA said it notified local law enforcement about the incident and an investigation is underway.
Laser strikes are federal crimes punishable by fines up to $11,000 per violation. Violators can also face federal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine as well as state and local penalties.
Pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes to the FAA last year, marking a 14% decrease from 2024.
The FAA encourages people to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies.
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