Laser trained on incoming jet

An investigation is under way after the cockpit of a Qantas aircraft laden with passengers was targeted by a high-powered laser as the jet came in to land at Darwin airport.

The Australian Federal Police yesterday confirmed detectives were investigating. The flight from Sydney with 185 passengers on board landed safely just before midnight lastFriday.

Safety authorities slammed the emerging practice of using lasers in a bid to distract, or even temporarily blind, pilots by people who thought it was a "bit of fun".

- AAP