Embraer EMB-120ER N291SW

Summary

On 30 November 1996 at about 02:50 local time, a Embraer EMB-120ER registered N291SW, operated by Skywest Airlines, was involved in an incident near Los Angeles, California, United States. 18 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 November 1996 at 02:50

Classification

Incident

Location

Los Angeles, California, United States

Nearest airport

Los Angeles International (LAX)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Embraer EMB-120ER

Registration

N291SW

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Skywest Airlines

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bakersfield → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

LAX97IA056

1 person had minor injuries.

a laser light source of unknown origin, directed toward the aircraft, as it was approaching to land.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The aircraft was on a visual approach when a bright blue light shone through the right cabin window and into the captain's right eye. The captain reported that as he continued the fight, his ability to see became difficult due to burning and tearing. By the time the flight was on final approach, he was experiencing so much discomfort that he relinquished the controls to the first officer, who landed the aircraft. A medical examination revealed multiple flash burns to the captain's right cornea. Further examination by Air Force specialists revealed no permanent eye damage. Investigators were unable to locate the source of the laser light. There were no NOTAMs for laser light activity at the time of the incident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.