QantasLink Dash-8 'Attacked' by Laser Light at Mackay Airport Last Weekend

A QantasLink passenger plane was grounded in Mackay last Saturday 20 October after a laser light was pointed at the plane.  The incident occurred just before 7pm, when a green laser beam was directed at the aircraft as it was preparing to land.

A spokesperson from Mackay police said one of the two pilots on board was taken to Mackay Base Hospital complaining of sore eyes.  The flight - QLK2314 - which had earlier departed from Brisbane and then Rockhampton, and was to head to Townsville and Cairns - was then cancelled after the pilot was deemed unfit to fly.

Mackay police said they were continuing investigations into the incident and focussing their attention on the Mt Pleasant region, the area they believe the laser beam originated.