WASHINGTON Dec 31, 2004 — Pilots from time to time encounter laser beams that stray into the cockpit on approach to an airport, but a recent rash of such incidents at least seven since Christmas has them worried about an organized effort to take down airliners.
Though there have been no reports of accidents caused by lasers, they can temporarily blind and disorient a pilot and could lead to a plane crash.
The FBI is investigating whether the incidents are pranks, accidents or something more sinister.
Federal agents are looking into two incidents in Colorado Springs, Colo., and one each in Cleveland, Washington, Houston, Teterboro, N.J., and Medford, Ore., according to law enforcement and transportation officials, some of whom spoke Thursday only on condition of anonymity.