Laser Beam Forces Coast Guard Helicopter to Land

San Pedro - For the second time this week, someone pointed a laser beam at a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, causing the crew to make a precautionary landing.

The latest incident occurred about 9 p.m. Thursday, while the MH-65C Dolphin helicopter was flying over Cabrillo Beach, said Adam Eggers of the Coast Guard. The crew landed safely at a hangar.

"Someone might not be doing this maliciously, but it is still a very dangerous thing to do," Eggers said.

"The aircrew was flashed with a laser that affected their vision. Coast Guard flight rules dictate that if any aircrew member's vision is compromised, the aircraft must land immediately at the closest airport."

Crew members also are taken off flight duty for a minimum of 24 hours and must be cleared by a doctor before flying again, he said.

"This temporary loss of flight crews has the potential to significantly affect the unit's abilities to conduct search, rescue, and homeland security missions," Eggers said.

People who point lasers at aircraft can be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison, Eggers said.

On Tuesday, a similar incident occurred in the same general area, and the crew landed safely. That crew has already been cleared to resume flights, Eggers said.