United Express Flight Gets Tagged After Takeoff From MHT

A United Airlines commuter flight got the green light minutes after its departure from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) last Wednesday, but it wasn't from the tower.

A green laser beam illuminated the right side of the Embraer 145's cockpit as the plane was about 3,000 feet off the ground and four miles north of the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration reported Saturday night, according to The Manchester Union-Leader.

There were no injuries, and the United Airlines Flight 7914 continued to its destination at Washington, DC, said FAA spokesperson Holly Baker. The Transportation Security Administration contacted the Manchester police about the incident.

Police and the FBI are investigating to find the origin of the easy to purchase laser as similar incidents like this increase, as reported in ANN.

"We're just trying to find people who may have information or may have observed anything," said FBI spokesman Gail Marcinkiewicz. "Certainly it's concerning enough to have law enforcement respond to it."

Manchester police said the incident occurred about 1905 EDT. There is no indication that the beam was intended as a threat or an effort to disrupt air travel. They said the light illuminated the aircraft briefly.

Police indicated the laser most likely came from somewhere in an area bordered by Maple, Pine, Valley and Spruce streets. The 18-square block neighborhood is home to Gill Stadium, Beech Street School, corner stores and a few churches. The area also has many apartment complexes with decks that have a few of the flight path.

"I never thought a laser would go that far," said a clerk at Off the Hook Clothing, a small clothing store in Manchester.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 472-2224, Manchester police at 603-668-8711 or Manchester Crimeline at 603- 624-4040.

FMI: www.flymanchester.com, www.fbi.gov/