FAA probes green laser near Newark May 13

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating after the crew of a United Airlines flight reported being illuminated by a green laser while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on May 13. The crew of United Flight 921 reported the laser about 14 miles from the airport shortly before 11:30 p.m., according to local reports citing the FAA. The flight landed safely, and local police were notified, the reports said. United said the crew reported the incident during approach and that police and FAA investigators were examining what happened. ### Which flight was involved, and where was it when the crew reported the laser? United Airlines Flight 921 was the flight identified in reports by NorthJersey and nj.com, both of which cited the FAA. The crew said a green laser illuminated the aircraft while it was on approach to Newark and about 14 miles from the airport. (northjersey.com) NorthJersey reported the incident happened shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. ABC7 New York, citing federal aviation officials, reported the crew said the laser struck around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday. ### What have the FAA and United said so far? The FAA said it was investigating the reported laser illumination and that the flight landed safely, according to the local reports. (northjersey.com) News 12 New Jersey, also citing the FAA, said local police were investigating alongside federal authorities. United Airlines said in a statement carried by local outlets that the flight crew reported the green laser strike during approach. (northjersey.com) The airline said local police and FAA investigators were examining the incident. ### Why are laser strikes treated as a federal safety issue? The FAA says aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime under U.S. law. (northjersey.com) The agency says it can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation, while federal criminal penalties can reach five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. FAA guidance for pilots and crew says laser illumination incidents should be reported immediately by radio to the appropriate air traffic control facility. (nj.com) The agency says detailed reporting helps investigators identify location and time patterns. ### How common are these reports nationally? The FAA said in a March 2026 update that pilots have reported 337 injuries since the agency began tracking laser strike reports in 2010. (faa.gov) The same FAA update said laser strikes on aircraft fell for a second straight year, though the agency continued to describe them as a safety threat. FAA data pages also show the agency continues to publish annual incident records and enforcement guidance for laser reports. (faa.gov) The agency says it works with federal, state and local law enforcement in those cases. ### What happens next in the Newark case? Local police and FAA investigators are the named agencies examining the May 13 incident, according to United and local reports. (faa.gov) The FAA has not, in the materials reviewed, identified a suspect or said whether anyone has been charged. The next public step is likely to come through an FAA statement, a law-enforcement announcement or updated local reporting. (faa.gov) As of May 15, the confirmed facts remain that United Flight 921 landed safely and that the reported laser illumination near Newark is under investigation. (northjersey.com) (nj.com)