29 Sep 2016

Pilots' vision affected by powerful laser

10:12 pm on 29 September 2016

An Air New Zealand plane was the target of a laser over the Hutt Valley near Wellington tonight.

Police said a powerful green laser was pointed at the cockpit of the plane as it prepared to land at Wellington about 8.30pm.

The twin-engine ATR 72 - Flight NZ5091 - was travelling from Hamilton to Wellington. It was at an altitude of about 10,500 feet when it was targeted, the police said.

It was believed the light came from near the motorway in the Trentham area.

Both pilots suffered headaches and couldn't see for a time, but the plane later landed safely.

The police want to hear from anyone who might have information about the incident.