Lasers flashed at 2 planes on approach SLC airport

By The Associated Press
Sunday, May 13, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY — Police are searching for someone who flashed green lasers at the cockpits of two aircraft as they made their final approach to land at Salt Lake International Airport.

Pointing a laser at a plane is a federal crime and a safety hazard, law enforcement authorities said, and they’re trying to find the person who from West Jordan temporarily obscured the view of pilots Thursday night.

The first incident involved a Southwest Boeing 737 flying 9,500 feet above the ground at 9:45 p.m., while the second incident involved a Lear jet at 6,000 feet about 12 minutes later. Both planes landed safely.

The Federal Aviation Administration says lasers can blind or distract pilots and damage eyesight.