FBI Investigating Laser Strikes On Aircraft

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- Targeting airplanes with lasers hits a record high.

WJZ's Tracey Leong explains how the FBI is attacking this nationwide problem.

So far this year, the FBI has opened 28 investigations into laser strikes. While there have been no accidents as a result of these attacks, the FBI says it's only a matter of time.

During take off and landing, pilots are being attacked by high-powered green lasers.

It's a small device with a big impact when used illegally.

An FBI demonstration shows how it can temporarily blind pilots.

"We suffered flash blindness after-imaging and then retinal burning that continued on for a while," said pilot Robert Hamilton.

Hamilton, an airline captain, has been lasered while flying on five different flights.

"At that moment to have our vision taken away from us, which is the most critical phase of flight is a very serious safety risk.

The FBI reports 3,700 laser strikes on aircraft nationwide since the beginning of the year, which averages out to more than 16 a day.

"A new group of kids growing up and getting their hands on lasers might be part of the problem,' said Mike Deruggiero, of the Maryland State Police aviation command," or it very well could be deliberate."

Deruggiero says it's unclear why laser strikes are surging and that it's a serious threat endangering the lives of passengers, the pilot and people on the ground.

Coast Guard helicopters are also being targeted.

"We get about three laser strikes a month," Lt. Shawn Chauvot, a Coast Guard pilot said of the air station in Atlantic City.

These potential deadly laser strikes can even force the pilots to abort their mission.

'Trying to pull somebody out of the water, that loss of vision basically puts us in a spot where we're blind," said Chauvot. " Can't do anything to help them. Not only do we have to fight to save our aircraft and ourselves, now e can't help the people in the water."

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a felony. If caught you could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has seen the most laser hits this year with 139.