20 laser strikes reported against planes nationwide Wednesday night
- Server responds on Facebook to newlywed couple who refused to leave tip
- Singer Joey Feek enters hospice, spends last days 'at peace' with baby
- Gator chows down on python at Florida golf course
- Stranger helps homeless single dad turn his life around in heartwarming viral video
- Dozens of stores to remain closed on Thanksgiving night
Federal investigators said there were 20 laser strikes on aircraft reported Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
The number of incidents is growing despite tougher penalties. More than 5,300 laser strikes were recorded by the Federal Aviation Administration through mid-October; five years ago, there were 2,837 incidents the entire year, according to USA Today.
The FAA said three different planes were hit by laser beams in the Dallas area Wednesday night. A Southwest Airlines plane, Virgin America plane and private business jet were inbound to Dallas Love Field when they were hit by a laser coming from an area 11 miles southeast of Dallas.
Another three incidents were reported in the New York City area in the same time period.
"Other airports reporting strikes included Jamestown, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, Palm Springs and Ontario, Calif.; Covington and Danville, Ky.; Salt Lake City; Albuquerque; Detroit;St. Petersburg, Fla., Springfield, Ill., and San Juan, Puerto Rico," according to the report.
Although laser strikes can temporarily blind a pilot, which is especially dangerous on takeoff and landing, none of the pilots was injured Wednesday night, an FAA spokeswoman said.
A conviction for pointing a laser at a plane carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
