A Colorado State Patrol aircraft was struck twice by a green laser while approaching Centennial Airport on August 19, 2026, forcing the crew to abort their landing in an incident the Patrol is using to warn parents and youth about the potentially deadly consequences of pointing a laser at an aircraft.

At approximately 8:45 p.m., the aircraft was on final approach when the cockpit was illuminated by a green laser from the left side of the aircraft. The crew aborted the landing and began circling to locate the source. While circling, the laser struck the aircraft a second time.

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Trooper Doren, operating the aircraft's onboard camera system, identified the source as a second-story balcony at a nearby apartment complex. After the aircraft landed safely, troopers from the Castle Rock office went to the apartment and made contact with an adult and several juveniles. Video from the onboard cameras showed an adult on the balcony with the children during the incident. Troopers confiscated the laser and warned the family that parents are responsible for preventing children from engaging in behavior that endangers others. Information from the incident was forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The August 19 incident followed reports of similar laser activity in the same area during the previous three evenings.

"A laser strike is not a harmless prank," Trooper Doren said. "When a laser enters a cockpit, it can cause glare, flash blindness, disorientation or permanent eye damage. During takeoff or landing, even a momentary loss of vision can place the flight crew, passengers and people on the ground in danger."

A laser beam that appears small from the ground can spread across an aircraft's cockpit, interfering with a pilot's ability to see instruments, maintain visual contact with the runway, or safely control the aircraft. Laser exposure can also cause lasting eye injuries, including permanent blind spots that may prevent a pilot from flying professionally.

Knowingly aiming a laser at an occupied aircraft is a class 6 felony under Colorado law, C.R.S. 18-3-210. It is also a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 39A, punishable by fines, up to five years in prison, or both. Additional civil penalties may be imposed by the FAA.

Parents and guardians should talk with children about the dangers of lasers and ensure laser devices are stored and used responsibly. Anyone who sees a person pointing a laser at an aircraft should immediately contact local law enforcement.

Charges are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.