A WestJet pilot attempting to land at Orlando Airport had his eyes burned by a green laser pointer, officials from US air safety agency the FAA said.
The flight from Newfoundland landed safely without incident a short time later.
The pilot was then placed on medical leave for evaluation, which is a routine measure.
The plane was about 40km from Orlando when the incident occurred, according to spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.
The FAA is investigating the incident and alerted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, which called at an address suspected as a possible source of the laser.
However those inquiries drew a blank.
High-powered laser pointers are a ‘serious concern’ for aircraft safety and flight deck crew, said airline spokeswoman Morgan Bell.
"Pilots are extremely focused during all phases of flight, but especially during take-off and landing, when most laser incidents occur," she said.
"When any sort of light enters the flight deck, pilots are trained to look away and maintain focus but they must also remain vigilant with respect to their surroundings and monitor the apron prior to landing."
