Updated at 12:07 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2007
Coast Guard flight crews report lasing at Barbers Point
Advertiser Staff
Two Coast Guard flight crews from the Barbers Point air station in the past month have reported being lased by a green laser from an unknown source as the planes were landing at John Rodgers Field in Kalaeloa-Barbers Point.Both air crews were immediately evaluated at Tripler Army Medical Center and found to have no injuries.
Both incidents occurred as the aircraft were conducting instrument approaches at John Rodgers Field. In both cases the crews were on final approach to the runway in a "very vulnerable position," according to a news release issued today by the Coast Guard
"Landing is a precarious operation. The crew is completely focused and procedures need to be exact," Cmdr. Chris Moss, the operations officer at Air Station Barbers Point, said in the release.
"To be distracted by the laser is dangerous in itself, but the eye damage from the laser can be instantaneous and permanent."
The green laser has the capability of instantly blinding a person in less than a quarter-second.
All 13 crewmembers from the two airplanes were not affected by the laser.
It is a federal offense to interfere with anyone engaged in the operation of an aircraft. The perpetrator of such an offense risks a felony conviction and a jail sentence of up to 20 years.
John Rodgers Field lies on the approach path for Honolulu International Airport.
The suspected laser being used in these incidents has a range of 9,000 feet. That would be well within the flight path of a jumbo airliner on final approach to International. Lasing a commercial airliner is punishable under the Patriot Act which can carry fines in excess of $500,000 and 20 years in jail.
Persons with information are encouraged to call the Coast Guard Investigative Service at 541-2301. A $1,000 reward is offered for information that leads to identifying a suspect in this investigation.
