Brade
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation after the crew of a National Guard SIKORSKY UH-60 BLACK HAWK helicopter reported being struck by a green laser approximately two miles from HECTOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT in North Dakota.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to FAA officials. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was confirmed to be operated by the NATIONAL GUARD. The FAA has notified local authorities and is actively investigating the matter.
This event follows a series of recent aviation tragedies, including the April 10 crash of a tour helicopter into the Hudson River in Jersey City, New Jersey, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including a pilot, two adults, and three children.
In January, a midair collision between an Army BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER and a passenger plane over the Potomac River resulted in 67 fatalities, prompting the FAA to implement enhanced safety measures near RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT (DCA).
Officials identified over 15,000 instances of aircraft being alerted to nearby helicopters between October 2021 and December 2024. In March, the FAA announced permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around DCA, eliminating mixed helicopter and fixed-wing traffic, and closing certain helicopter routes as advised by the NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD (NTSB).
Additionally, simultaneous use of specific runways was prohibited, and visual separation practices were limited to certain operations by the Coast Guard, Marines, and Park Police outside restricted airspace.
The NATIONAL GUARD has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the recent laser incident.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[National Transportation Safety Board](https://www.ntsb.gov)
[Federal Aviation Administration](https://www.faa.gov)
