On April 23, just after 9:40 p.m., a CC-295 Kingfisher was conducting a nighttime training mission at 19 Wing Comox when it was targeted several times by a green laser.

While no one was injured or temporarily impaired by the laser, laser pointers can lead to serious aviation safety issues that put lives at risk. The affected Royal Canadian Air Force pilots were temporarily removed from flying duties, awaiting medical and ophthalmologic assessment.

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The Kingfisher was on Search and Rescue (SAR) standby, however, and the grounding of the aircraft meant a temporary reduction in coverage for B.C. and the Yukon. Had there been a SAR emergency in Western Canada during this time, 19 Wing Comox could not respond.

In a release, 19 Wing Comox stressed the seriousness of the interference of the laser pointer.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a harmless prank, it’s a serious offence that endangers lives. If you see someone engaging in this behaviour, report it immediately. Even a brief strike can impair a pilot at a critical moment, threatening the safety of everyone on board.”

The release also states that there have been over 10 laser attacks on military and civilian aircraft in the area of 19 Wing Comox in the past year.

Comox Valley RCMP worked with 19 Wing Comox and quickly located and arrested a 38-year-old male suspect, who was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The investigation into the incident continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.