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Authorities: Laser Aimed Into Cockpit Of Landing Airplane

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Authorities are investigating after someone apparently aimed a laser into the cockpit of a plane landing at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in western Michigan.

An airport spokesperson said the pilot reported the issue to the airport's control tower about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Airport police and the Kent County sheriff's department searched the area but didn't immediately locate the person responsible.

The pilot, who was flying a non-commercial plane, was still able to land safely at the airport, which is located in Grand Rapids.

Lasers can distract or temporarily blind pilots, and pointing one at a plane is a federal crime.

An investigation continues.

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