FAA investigating green laser pointed at plane near Newark Airport

Authorities are investigating after the crew of a United Airlines flight reported being struck by a laser near Newark Airport on the night of May 13.

The crew of United Airlines Flight 921 reported being illuminated by a green laser about 14 miles from Newark Airport shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The flight landed safely.

The FAA said it had notified local authorities and would investigate.

Shining a laser at an airplane is a federal crime and poses a serious safety threat, according to the FAA. People who shine lasers at planes face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation. Violators also face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.

Pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes to the FAA in 2025, a 14% decrease from 2024.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Laser incident at Newark Airport under FAA investigation.