Wellington plane lasered on takeoff

Laser beams are particularly dangerous during critical stages of flight, such as takeoff or landing. Photo / Thinkstock

A domestic flight carrying passengers out of Wellington has been subject to a laser strike tonight.

Police are searching for those responsible after pilots reported a green laser had been fired into the cockpit during takeoff.

It is not known how many people were on board the aircraft but police confirmed the incident happened at around 6.50pm.

The flight took off to towards the north, but as the pilot started to climb over the Petone - Lower Hutt area, the laser beam was shone into the cockpit.

Particularly dangerous during critical stages of flight, such as takeoff and landing, lasers can district a pilot's vision or even cause temporary flash blindness.

Under the Civil Aviation Act, offenders can face 12-months in jail or a $10,000 fine.
A police spokesman said such incidents are uncommon in New Zealand as "few people are stupid enough" to do it.

"It was a domestic flight with passengers on board," the spokesman said.

"These events have the potential to cause serious implications and there are heavy charges for anyone that is caught.

"Police have so far been unable to find those responsible."

Police are concerned about the level of intelligence of someone committing such an act and said any person found committing such an offence can expect to appear in the court system.