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The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after someone pointed a blue laser at an American Airlines flight early Thursday morning in Charlotte, according to a release.
American Airlines flight 3114 was “illuminated by a blue laser about 5 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport” around 7 a.m., a statement from the FAA said.
The flight landed safely, officials said, and local authorities were alerted to the situation.
The FAA says nearly 11,000 laser strikes were reported by pilots to the administration last year. Officials say shining a laser at an aircraft poses serious safety risks to both the pilot and people on board.
People have pointed lasers at airplanes intentionally, but some may not know how powerful a laser can be, the FAA said.
The FAA does warn that shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and can include the following punishments:
- FAA fines of up to $32,000
- Federal crime penalties of up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine
- State and local penalties can be applied as well
The FAA said it is investigating Thursday’s incident with the help of local law enforcement agencies.
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Justin Pryor
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