Global General

Australian plane targeted in laser attack

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-30 11:11

SYDNEY - A powerful laser tracked an Australia's Jetstar Airways passenger aircraft on Wednesday for about 10 kilometers as it was going to land in Newcastle, in the New South Wales (NSW) Hunter region of Australia, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported on Thursday.

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The green laser tracked the Airbus A320 as it was flying north over Lake Macquarie in NSW about 9:15 pm (local time) on Wednesday.

But the plane landed safely a short time later at its intended destination.

Police said air traffic controllers reported the incident.

Police have launched an investigation, saying the incident was dangerous as the laser could distract pilots.

It is a criminal offense in NSW to use a laser pointer in a public place without reasonable excuse.