In a notable case highlighting the dangers of laser pointers near aircraft, Joseph L. Crapsi, a 31-year-old resident from Cheektowaga, New York, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for pointing a laser beam at a Delta Air Lines flight during its landing approach. The incident, which raised serious safety concerns, transpired on March 1, 2024.
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According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York, the pilot of Delta Flight 2334 reported encountering a green laser aimed at the aircraft around 12:07 a.m. local time. The laser strike was reported to persist for approximately 60 to 90 seconds and was determined to have originated from one mile south of the plane’s approach path.
Following the report, officers from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Police Department were dispatched to the area to investigate the source of the laser. Around half an hour later, local law enforcement responded to a separate call indicating that a laser was being pointed inside a neighbouring house. Officers identified Crapsi’s family home as the source, and upon entering, they discovered a laser pointer on Crapsi’s bed, which was subsequently seized as evidence.
Crapsi was arrested on March 15, 2024. His defence team contested the charges, arguing in court that the evidence of the laser pointer should be deemed inadmissible due to alleged lack of probable cause for his arrest. However, the court ruled in favour of the prosecution, allowing the laser pointer to be presented as part of the evidence against Crapsi. After some time, he changed his plea to guilty in December 2025.
In the run-up to the sentencing, Crapsi’s lawyers presented a memorandum requesting a lenient judgement, stressing that additional prison time would be detrimental to him due to his autism and deafness. They indicated that Crapsi did not intend to harm anyone, and they argued for a sentence of time served. His counsel, John Morrisey, noted that the nature of his developmental disorders should be taken into account and that imprisonment would be particularly burdensome for his client.
Conversely, prosecutors advocated for a sentence ranging from 18 to 24 months, asserting that the gravity of his actions warranted a substantial penalty. In their memorandum, they underscored the potential fatal consequences of such irresponsible behaviour and emphasised the importance of deterring similar conduct in the future.
A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines commented on the incident, highlighting the serious threats posed by such actions during critical phases of flight. The statement reiterated the airline’s commitment to collaborating with authorities to ensure that legal repercussions are enforced for individuals who jeopardise aviation safety.
Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has brought attention to a broader issue, revealing a significant spike in laser strikes against aircraft, with over 3,300 incidents reported in 2023 alone. This figure follows a concerning total of 10,993 incidents reported the previous year, illustrating a persistent threat to air travel safety.
As this case concluded, the judicial system sent a clear message regarding the risks associated with laser pointers in aviation. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for public awareness and adherence to aviation safety regulations.