Nov 08, 2024

Search for suspect is underway after airplane is hit with laser over SW Iowa

Posted Nov 08, 2024 10:29 PM

(Radio Iowa) - Authorities in southwest Iowa's Cass County are searching for a suspect in the Massena area after someone apparently shined a laser at an airplane on Thursday night.

The F-A-A says the pilot of a single-engine Cessna 172 reported being illuminated by a blue laser approximately 40 miles southwest of Des Moines International Airport. No injuries were reported. Local authorities were notified.

The F-A-A says intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots. People convicted of shining lasers at aircraft face fines of up to 11-thousand dollars per violation.