FAA: Local authorities investigating reported laser incident at Rochester airport

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said local authorities are investigating a reported laser incident at the Frederick Douglass-Greater Rochester International Airport that happened Sunday night.

The FAA said the crew of GoJet Airlines Flight 4526 reported a white laser illuminated the aircraft when it was 5 miles northeast of the airport at around 9:40 p.m. and 1,900 feet.

The FAA said it had received around 757 laser strike reports for 2021 as of Oct. 31, marking the highest number of reports since 2016.

High-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots, so shining lasers at aircraft can net fines up to $11,000 per violation, as well as criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

News10NBC has also reached out to the airport but has not yet heard back.