More than 20 US aircraft were hit by lasers in one night

More than 20 planes were hit with lasers from the ground on the night of November 11, an act considered a federal crime.

Laser incidents have been reported in 10 US states as well as Puerto Rico and Ontario, Canada, CNN reported, citing the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Planes flying over major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Dallas were among those affected.

FAA illustration shows an aircraft cockpit exposed to a laser beam. Photo: FAA

While no pilots were injured, shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime under a law enacted in 2012. "Lasers distract pilots from their safety duties and can result in temporary blindness during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. In some cases in the past, pilots have reported eye injuries that required medical treatment," the FAA said.

As handheld lasers have become more common, incidents of lasers being pointed at aircraft have also increased. As of October 16, there had been 5,352 incidents of lasers being pointed at aircraft, the FAA said. Last year, there were 3,894, compared to 283 in 2005.

A helicopter operated by CNN affiliate WABC was also hit with a laser earlier this week. Video from the station shows a green light being directed at the helicopter.

According to VNE