Pilot Dazzled by Laser During Flight - Laser attack blinds student pilot and instructor mid-flight near Neukirch
A student pilot and flight instructor were temporarily blinded by a laser beam during a training flight near Neukirch. The incident occurred at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, prompting police to launch an investigation into the dangerous interference with air traffic.
The laser beam struck the aircraft from the ground, briefly blinding both aviators. Fortunately, the effect lasted only a short time and caused no lasting health issues. Once the pilots switched off the plane's lights, the unknown perpetrator stopped targeting them, allowing the aircraft to become invisible from below.
The two managed to land safely at Friedrichshafen's Lake Constance Airport. Deliberately aiming lasers at aircraft is considered a serious criminal offence in Germany. Despite this, no official reports of similar incidents have been recorded in the country over the past two years.
Authorities are now working to identify the person responsible for the laser attack. The incident highlights the risks posed by such actions, even when no lasting harm occurs. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation.
