The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation after a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter operated by the NATIONAL GUARD was reportedly illuminated by a green laser approximately two miles from Hector International Airport in North Dakota.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to FAA officials. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the agency has notified local authorities to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Army confirmed to Fox News Digital that the aircraft was being operated by the NATIONAL GUARD. This alarming event underscores growing concerns about the safety of sensitive airspace, particularly following recent aviation tragedies.
Just over a week ago, a tour helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 10, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including the pilot, two adults, and three children. Additionally, in January, a midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane over the Potomac River claimed 67 lives, with no survivors.
In response to these incidents, the FAA has implemented stringent measures to enhance safety, particularly near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Between October 2021 and December 2024, officials identified over 15,000 instances of planes being alerted about helicopters in proximity.
In March, the FAA announced permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around DCA, eliminating mixed helicopter and fixed-wing traffic, and closing certain helicopter routes as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Simultaneous use of specific runways has also been prohibited, with visual separation limited to operations by the Coast Guard, Marines, and Park Police outside restricted airspace.
The NATIONAL GUARD has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the recent laser incident.
**Sources:**
Fox News Digital: [https://www.foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): [https://www.ntsb.gov](https://www.ntsb.gov)