Lasers Pointed Again At 4 Commercial Planes Flying Over N.J., N.Y.

Four commercial flights reported lasers pointed at them as they flew over New Jersey and New York on Tuesday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

There was no indication the four incidents led to any notable injuries or accidents, but one of the incidents reported by the FAA was close to Newark Liberty International Airport, according to Arlene Salac, an FAA spokeswoman.

A similar series of incidents happened last week when 11 commercial planes reported that laser pointers shined on them.

>>Related story: Lasers Pointed At 11 Commercial Planes Flying Over N.J.

The FAA says the lasers hit the left and right sides of the cockpits, along with the sides of the planes; lasers can distract and also temporarily blind pilots, and pointing one at a plane is a federal crime, according to Fox News.

FAA Spokesman Jim Peters said people typically purchase laser pointers on the Internet and even in some stores. When asked why people would use such items, he said, “I have no idea.”

Laser pointers are typically used in presentations before groups, where the presenter uses the instrument to highlight elements of the presentation.

Here is a summary of where the laser events occurred:

1. American 1976, an Airbus 321 at 3,000 feet 20 miles south of Newark Liberty International Airport at 9:25 pm.

2. Shuttle America 3482, Embraer E170 at 7,000 feet seven miles west of Warwick, NY at 9:45 pm.

3. Express Jet 5887, Embraer E145 at 7,000 feet, five miles west of Warwick, NY at 9:40 pm.

4. Spirit Airlines 710, Airbus A320, at 7,500 feet, 20 miles southwest of LaGuardia Airport at 12:10 am.