Transport Canada reported a series of laser strikes emanating from the Saltair and Chemainus area in late July. Similar reports were also made from the same area in late June. (Google Maps/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LASER STRIKES

RCMP investigating after multiple laser strikes on aircraft near Nanaimo

Aug 2, 2020 | 6:08 AM

NANAIMO — Mounties are investigating a string of possible laser strikes on overflying aircraft near Nanaimo airport.

Around midnight on July 28, multiple aircraft reported being hit by a green laser from the Saltair or Chemainus area.

One plane, flying over Nanaimo to Vancouver was hit for around 20 seconds by what the pilot believed was a handheld laser in the Saltair region. A second plane travelling minutes behind also reported seeing the beam.

A second but similar report was made by a helicopter in the Chemainus region on the same night.

A third report, involving a plane which landed at Nanaimo airport around two hours prior noted a green flashing on the wing while on final approach. It wasn’t until the pilot of the plane was on the ground they believed it to be a laser.

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“Front line police officers did patrols of this zone where the beam apparently came from, but due to the large possible area and the lack of specific coordinates where the beam initiated, members were unable to establish who was involved,” RCMP Cst. Carlie McCann told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Transport Canada also said similar lasering incidents had been reported in late June.

Laser strikes are particularly dangerous during night flying as they can cause temporary blinding of the pilots.

Cockpit controls are typically dimmed significantly to allow the pilot to better read terrain at lower altitudes.

“It’s considered to be intentionally interfering with the performance of flight crew to perform their duties,” McCann said. “It’s a criminal offence.”

Anyone found guilty faces significant fines or jail time.

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