Hercules pilot cancels takeoff after laser shone in cockpit

Nova Scotia RCMP are trying to find out who shone a laser into the cockpit of a military aircraft that was on the taxiway at 14 Wing Greenwood on Monday night.

Police were called to the scene at 8:58 p.m. after a pilot was forced to cancela flight on a CC-130 Hercules.

Witnesses told police the laser appeared to be coming from somewhere south of the base in Greenwood, N.S., according to police.RCMPsearched for the culprit, but could not find them.

"Lasers present a serious risk to aviation. They can impair the pilots' vision, therefore putting at risk the lives of all occupants and people on the ground," Lt.-Col. Bruno Baker, deputy commander of 14 Wing Greenwood, said in a joint news release issued by RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces.

"Incidents involving lasers pointed at airplanes cause the flight to be cancelled automatically for investigation and safety of the crews.In Greenwood, where search and rescue flights operate routinely, this could also affect the safety of those in need of assistance."

Police are looking for information about the incident. Anyone with information can contact Kingston RCMP at 902-765-3317 and anonymous tips can be sent to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).