Probe launched after AA flight spots eerie blue light during landing

Incident Details

An American Airlines flight en route from Charleston, South Carolina, to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina encountered a mysterious blue light during its landing approach last week. The sighting occurred early on January 29, approximately 5 miles from the airport, prompting the crew to report it as a potential laser illumination event out of caution. The plane landed safely without any injuries, but the incident has sparked an official probe by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Airline Response and Protocols

American Airlines confirmed that its pilots are trained to handle laser-related threats and are required to report such occurrences immediately to air traffic control, which then notifies law enforcement. The airline emphasized that while the flight proceeded without issues, the report was made to ensure thorough review. This protocol underscores the airline’s commitment to passenger safety amid rising concerns over airborne hazards.

FAA Investigation and Broader Context

The FAA has launched an investigation into the blue light sighting, aligning with its ongoing efforts to address laser strikes on aircraft. According to FAA data, nearly 11,000 such incidents were reported in 2025, resulting in 10 injuries. Officials warn that lasers, often mistaken for harmless gadgets, can severely impair pilots during critical phases like takeoff and landing, endangering thousands of lives annually.

Individuals caught shining lasers at aircraft face severe repercussions, including fines up to $32,000 per violation and potential criminal charges under federal law. The FAA stresses the serious threat these actions pose to aviation safety. In a similar case last year, a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter reported a green laser illumination near Hector International Airport in North Dakota, with no injuries but prompting another FAA inquiry.

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