Colorado State Patrol aircrew aborts landing after laser strikes

A Colorado State Patrol aircrew was forced to abort a landing at Centennial Airport on August 19 after being struck twice by a green laser. The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. while the aircraft was on final approach.

Using onboard camera systems, troopers identified the source of the laser as a second-story balcony at a nearby apartment complex. Video footage showed an adult on the balcony with several juveniles during the strikes. Following the incident, troopers from the Castle Rock office contacted the residents, confiscated the laser, and issued warnings regarding the dangers of such behavior.

The Colorado State Patrol has reported the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration and issued a warning to the community. Officials noted that aiming a laser at an aircraft is a class 6 felony in Colorado, punishable by fines and up to five years in prison. Authorities emphasized that laser strikes can cause flash blindness, disorientation, or permanent eye damage, posing significant risks to flight crews and people on the ground.