LOS ANGELES— The Federal Aviation Administration says a pilot reported visual impairment after a laser struck a plane taking off from Los Angeles International Airport.
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor says the laser strike occurred early Wednesday as the aircraft was near Santa Monica at 9,000 feet.
There's no immediate word what type of plane it was or where it was headed.
Earlier this month, the FBI began offering rewards of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of anyone who threatens aircraft in a laser attack.
In 2013 the FAA reported nearly 4,000 laser strikes.
In March a 26-year-old man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of shining a laser pointer at a Fresno police helicopter and a hospital helicopter.