Green Laser Struck Plane Flying Over New Jersey: FAA

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Investigators want to find out who aimed a green laser at a plane flying over New Jersey on Wednesday night, officials said.

According to an FAA spokesperson, the crew of United Airlines Flight 921 reported being illuminated by a green laser at around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday while flying over New Jersey, about 14 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.

The flight landed safely, said the spokesperson.

News 12 reported that the plane was over Teaneck at the time, and that local police are investigating.

Teaneck police did not respond to a request for comment from Patch, but this story will be updated when they do.

Shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime because of the safety threat, the FAA said.

"Lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers," they said in a statement.

Pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration last year, a 14 percent decrease from 2024.

The FAA has started a "Lose the Laser" safety campaign to stop people from aiming lasers at the planes.

"FAA air traffic control facilities quickly relay pilot laser-strike reports to the appropriate local law enforcement agency, which is in the best position to immediately investigate," said the FAA.

Investigators have found a variety of reasons that people aim lasers at planes, the FAA said. Some don't realize how powerful the laser is, and others do it intentionally.

People who shine lasers at aircraft can be fined up to $11,000 per violation.

Those with information can report laser strikes to the FAA or local law enforcement, the agency said.