S-F Radio: Airborne KCBS Traffic Reporter Forced Down By Laser

A KCBS traffic plane made an unexpected landing after a pilot was hit in the eye with a laser Thursday morning.

KCBS 740 AM /106.9 FM traffic reporter Ron Cervi was in the plane when a green laser struck the pilot above San Ramon at about 6:40 a.m.

Cervi said it happened without him noticing until the pilot turned to him and said he got hit.

“It was very, very strong,” Cervi said. “Someone pointed this laser and got my pilot right in the eye.”

Feeling a minor burning sensation, the pilot immediately called the Oakland Airport tower and told them what happened. CHP was notified, and the FBI launched a plane to investigate the laser’s origin.

According to KCBS, the pilot safely landed the plane and felt fine enough to drive himself to the doctor for a medical check. A doctor said his eyes appeared healthy on initial examination, but recommended a visit with a specialist.

A green laser in particular is 20 to 30 times brighter than a red laser and can temporarily blind pilots and even cause damage to the human eye.