Laser beam 'dazzles' pilot preparing to land at airport

Published on Friday 13 June 2008 10:49

THE pilot of an easyJet plane was "dazzled" by a laser beam just minutes before landing at Edinburgh airport. Police are investigating the bizarre incident amid claims the consequences could have been disastrous.

The pilot and his first officer are believed to have been dazzled for more than ten seconds after the bright green light was shone into the cockpit as the plane – which was carrying 42 people – was preparing to land.

It happened at 11.10pm on Tuesday, just three miles from the airport. Police believe the beam originated from the city centre.

An aviation source reportedly said: "They were well into the descent and less than five minutes from landing when both the pilot and the first officer reported a bright green beam being directed at the aircraft. It only lasted a few seconds but it impaired their vision for longer.

"This could have had very serious consequences for everyone on that aircraft, not to mention people below on the ground."

A force spokesman said: "Police are investigating an incident on Tuesday night, where the pilot of an aircraft was momentarily dazzled by a beam on his approach to Edinburgh Airport.

"The beam, which was green in colour, came from somewhere in the vicinity of the city centre."