The person at the center of this case
Commercial and private aircraft operators and passengers at Yakima Air Terminal
Cold Case · Open
176 days waiting
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT LASER INCIDENTS
Justice for Commercial and private aircraft operators and passengers at Yakima Air Terminal — the trail went cold in 2026, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🔍
evidence
Lead #1What specific wavelength and power characteristics does the green laser have, and can this narrow down the equipment source?
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location
Lead #2From what geographic locations or landmarks around YKM could the laser strikes originate based on pilot reports of relative bearing and distance?
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witness
Lead #3Have any ground-based witnesses or security personnel observed suspicious activity or individuals with laser equipment near the airport or approach corridors?
Since January 2026, Yakima Air Terminal in Washington State has experienced a surge of laser incidents targeting arriving aircraft, with at least 19 reported strikes on private, commercial, medical, and military planes in the first quarter alone. Pilots have reported green lasers illuminating and tracking their cockpits during approach, creating serious safety hazards for flight crews, passengers, and people on the ground. The FBI is seeking public assistance to identify the person or persons responsible, particularly from pilots who can provide specific details about laser origin, timing, and location.
Case
#2625
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with local and federal agency partners
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Why did laser incidents spike dramatically in January 2026—was there a trigger event or change in airport operations?
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suspect
Lead #5Could the perpetrator be someone with aviation knowledge, local geographic familiarity, or access to specific laser equipment?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Yakima Air Terminal - McAllister Field (YKM) Washington State January 2026 to Present Since the beginning of 2026, the airport in Yakima, Washington, Yakima Air Terminal - McAllister Field (YKM), has experienced a dramatic increase of laser incidents involving arriving aircraft, including reported strikes on private, commercial, medical, and military aircraft. For example, 19 reports have been made to the FAA from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, but this number is likely underreported.
Pilots around the airport have experienced a green laser illuminating and tracking the cockpit of their aircraft while on approach to land and flying near YKM. Lasers pointed at an aircraft can interfere with landing and can increase the risk of injury to flight crew, passengers, and citizens within the local area.
The FBI is working with multiple local and federal agencies to identify and locate the individual(s) responsible for these laser strikes and is seeking information from the public regarding these incidents. If you are a pilot and have experienced a laser strike in the vicinity of YKM, any information you can provide would be helpful in this investigation.
Information includes: your name, phone number, elevation, heading, coordinates, approach, and any reference toward where the laser may have come from such as landmark or relative bearing and distance or coordinates. Any photo or video evidence of the event may also prove helpful.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2026-01-01
Laser incidents begin at YKM
Dramatic increase in laser strikes on arriving aircraft begins at the start of 2026
📋
2026-03-31
19 reported incidents documented
FAA receives 19 reports of laser strikes from January 1 to March 31, 2026, though actual number likely higher due to underreporting
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2026
Last Updated:June 26, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2026
Last Updated:June 26, 2026