# Laser Strikes on Planes Drop But Still Too High

> Laser attacks on planes fell 24% this year but remain dangerously high with 4,470 incidents.
- Title: Laser Strikes on Planes Drop But Still Too High · PCMAG
- Summary: Laser attacks on planes fell 24% this year but remain dangerously high with 4,470 incidents. Laser strikes on aircraft dropped 24% year-on-year to 4,470…
- Keywords: faa, laser strikes, aircraft, pilots, injuries, reporting, fines, prison, technology, Laser, Strikes, Planes
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/faa-laser-attacks-on-planes-are-down-but-theyre-still-far-too-high
- Author: Will McCurdy
- Published: 2026-09-19T17:07:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: faa, laser strikes, aircraft, pilots, injuries, reporting, fines, prison, technology
## Laser Strikes on Planes
Laser strikes on aircraft have dropped 24% year-on-year to 4,470 incidents through July 2026.

> The concentrated laser beams reach much farther than homeowners may realize and have the potential of distracting or temporarily blinding pilots.
## Injuries from Laser Strikes
Pilots reported 328 injuries since the FAA started tracking laser incidents in 2010.
## State Impact
California had 614 incidents, Texas 445, and Hawaii had the highest rate at 5.09 per 100,000 people.
## Laser Safety Risks
Laser beams can distract or temporarily blind pilots, posing serious risks during flight.
## Legal Consequences
Pointing lasers at aircraft is a federal crime with fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to five years in prison.
## Key takeaway

Laser strikes on aircraft dropped 24% year-on-year to 4,470 incidents but are still dangerously high.