Police probe laser beamed into aircraft that left pilot briefly dazed

HALIFAX — Police say a pilot was briefly dazed after a laser was pointed at his small plane as he flew over a Halifax suburb.

They say a Diamond DA20 single-engine aircraft was flying above Hammonds Plains Road and Highway 102 in Bedford just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, when the pilot’s vision became temporarily impaired due to a laser beam pointing into the cockpit.

Const. Dianne Penfound says police searched the area where the beam was thought to have originated, but didn’t find any suspects.

She estimates the plane was flying at an altitude of about 1,220 metres, and was on its way to Moncton, N.B.

She says the aviation security unit is looking into the matter, adding that the offence carries a maximum penalty under the Aeronautics Act of a $100,000 fine, five years in prison or both.

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There have been several other incidents involving lasers being beamed into commercial and military aircraft in the region in recent months.

The Canadian Press