CSP Warns Pointing Lasers at Aircraft is a Felony After Laser Strike Forces Aircrew to Abort Centennial Airport Landing

Description: A laser strike forced a Colorado State Patrol aircrew to abort a landing at Centennial Airport. CSP warns that pointing lasers at aircraft can cause serious injuries and felony charges...

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Pointing a Laser at an Aircraft is a Felony, Not a Prank

Laser strike forced CSP aircrew to abort landing at Centennial Airport

(CENTENNIAL, COLO) - The Colorado State Patrol is warning parents and youth about the potentially deadly consequences of pointing a laser at an aircraft after a Colorado State Patrol aircrew was struck twice while attempting to land at Centennial Airport.

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on August 19, 2026, the Colorado State Patrol aircraft was on final approach to Centennial Airport when the cockpit was illuminated by a green laser coming from the left side of the aircraft. The flight crew aborted the landing and began circling the area to locate the source.

While circling, the laser struck the aircraft a second time. Trooper Doren, who was operating the aircraft's onboard camera system, identified the source and location as a second-story balcony at a nearby apartment complex.

After the aircraft landed safely, troopers from the Castle Rock office went to the identified apartment and made contact with an adult and several juveniles. Video evidence from the aircraft's onboard cameras showed an adult on the balcony with the children during the activity. Troopers confiscated the laser, explained the seriousness of the conduct and warned the family that parents are responsible for preventing children from engaging in behavior that endangers others. Information from the incident was forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The August 19 incident followed reports of similar laser activity in the same area during the previous three evenings.

"A laser strike is not a harmless prank," Trooper Doren said. "When a laser enters a cockpit, it can cause glare, flash blindness, disorientation or permanent eye damage. During takeoff or landing, even a momentary loss of vision can place the flight crew, passengers and people on the ground in danger."

A laser beam that appears small from the ground can spread across an aircraft's cockpit. Exposure may interfere with a pilot's ability to see instruments, maintain visual contact with the runway or safely control the aircraft. Laser exposure can also cause lasting eye injuries, including permanent blind spots that may prevent a pilot from continuing to fly professionally.

Knowingly aiming a laser at an occupied aircraft is a class 6 felony under Colorado law, C.R.S. 18-3-210. It is also a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 39A, punishable by fines, up to five years in prison, or both. Additional civil penalties may be imposed by the FAA.

Parents and guardians should talk with children about the dangers of lasers and ensure laser devices are stored and used responsibly. Anyone who sees a person pointing a laser at an aircraft should immediately contact local law enforcement.

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