1. IndiGo flight 6E 223 from Bengaluru to Kolkata faced a laser beam intrusion into the cockpit during its final approach to land at Kolkata airport.
2. The incident, concerning aviation safety, highlighted the dangers posed by laser beam intrusions that can momentarily blind pilots during critical flight phases.
3. The flight, carrying 165 passengers and six crew members, was affected by the powerful laser beam, raising alarms about the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents.
Kolkata, Feb 25: The incident involving an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Kolkata has brought attention to a concerning issue in aviation safety: laser beam intrusions into the cockpit, which can momentarily blind pilots during critical phases of flight.
The IndiGo flight 6E 223, carrying 165 passengers and six crew members, was on its final approach to land at Kolkata airport when the cockpit was penetrated by a powerful laser beam.
This occurred just a kilometre away from the touchdown, raising alarms among pilots and airlines about the risks posed by such incidents.
Pilots and airlines have urged the Bidhannagar Police to take strict measures against individuals using lasers near airports, as these actions pose significant dangers to aviation safety.
Any distraction or blinding effect caused by the laser beam could lead to challenges during critical moments of flight, especially during landing procedures.
The captain of the IndiGo flight encountered the laser intrusion while descending rapidly towards the runway at a rate of 1,500-2,000 ft per minute.
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Such intrusions, particularly close to the landing strip, may necessitate an aborted landing and initiation of a go-around procedure to ensure a safe approach.
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged with the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport police station.
Airport authorities have highlighted the challenges posed by laser lights, which emanate from both sides of the runway, affecting pilots’ focus and visibility.
During the Airport Environment Management Committee meeting, attended by Bengal Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, the issue of laser lights and their hazards to flights was discussed. The intensity of these lights can be blinding, making it difficult for pilots to navigate safely, especially during critical phases of flight.
While the motive behind such laser intrusions remains unclear, authorities have noted that these disruptive acts could be intentional.
However, regardless of intent, the safety implications for flights and passengers are significant, underscoring the need for strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
