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30.12.04, 15:18
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FBI Probes Laser Beam Directed at Cockpit
CLEVELAND (AP) - Authorities are investigating a mysterious laser beam that
was directed into the cockpit of a commercial jet traveling at more than 8,500
feet.
The beam appeared Monday when the plane was about 15 miles from Cleveland
Hopkins International Airport, the FBI said.
``It was in there for several seconds like (the plane) was being tracked,''
FBI agent Robert Hawk said.
The pilot was able to land the plane, and air traffic controllers used radar
to determine the laser came from a residential area in suburban Warrensville
Heights.
Hawk said the laser had to have been fairly sophisticated to track a plane
traveling at that altitude. Authorities had no other leads, and are
investigating whether the incident was a prank or if there was a more sinister
motive.
In Colorado Springs, Colo., Monday night, two pilots reported green pulsating
laser lights shined into their cockpits. Both the passenger plane and a cargo
plane landed without problems.
Police dispatched patrol cars and a helicopter to a neighborhood to
investigate but found nothing. FBI agents were continuing to conduct
interviews, agency spokeswoman Monique Kelso said.
Federal officials have expressed concern about terrorists using laser beams,
which can distract or temporarily blind a pilot.
A memo sent to law enforcement agencies recently by the FBI and the Homeland
Security Department says there is evidence that terrorists have explored using
lasers as weapons. Authorities said there is no specific intelligence
indicating al-Qaida or other groups might use lasers in the United States.
In September a pilot for Delta Air Lines reported an eye injury from a laser
beam shone into the cockpit during a landing approach in Salt Lake City. The
incident occurred about 5 miles from the airport. The plane landed safely.
Lasers are commonly used in a number of industries and are featured in outdoor
light shows.
The FAA mandates that laser light shows must register their locations and the
lights cannot be directed above 3,000 feet. Lasers are also often used by
construction companies to line up foundations.
Interfering with a commercial flight is a felony punishable by up to five
years in prison.
12/29/04 22:34
