2009-11 · NASA ASRS report 861944
An air carrier First Officer reported experiencing two laser strikes from different sources descending into SNA. He stated he is still feeling the effects on his vision.
At 8000 ft MSL; on the arrival into SNA; I was looking out my right window toward March AFB when the aircraft was illuminated by a very bright; green laser. I happened to be looking directly at the source of the beam when it hit us. The Captain did not see the beam directly; but saw the reflected green glow illuminating the cockpit window and window frame. The laser remained trained on us for a total of about two seconds. I looked away; but not before feeling a slight tingling sensation in my eyes and experiencing a blinding effect similar to a very bright flashlight being shined in my eyes. I estimated the source of the laser to be about 1.5 miles east of March AFB. We reported the event to SoCal Approach. I was able to resume my PNF F/O duties; despite a slight degradation in vision. About 10 minutes later; while at ~1500 ft MSL on final approach to SNA; another green laser; from a different source; was pointed in our direction and was waved about in our general direction (although this one did not appear to touch our airplane.) We reported this event to John Wayne Tower. The source of the second laser was in the vicinity of 4th St. and Grand Ave.; west of the I-5 Freeway in Santa Ana. As of this writing; 22 hours after the event; my vision still retains a slight greenish blob in the middle of my field of vision.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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