A man who aimed a green laser pointer at a Delta Air Lines flight on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. During the March 2024 incident, Joseph L. Crapsi, 31, of Cheektowaga, repeatedly aimed the laser at the aircraft during the critical phase of flight.

According to one of the pilots, the attack lasted between 60 and 90 seconds, adding that he felt “something horrible would happen.” Laser attacks are a serious threat that can temporarily blind pilots and, in severe cases, cause permanent damage, as well as endanger the safety of an aircraft and its occupants.

18-Month Prison Sentence For Buffalo Delta Laser Attack

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According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York, Crapsi will serve 18 months in prison after subjecting the Delta aircraft to a sustained laser attack. The incident happened in the early hours of March 2, 2024 — as Delta Flight 2334 was on approach to BUF, a beam of green light was aimed at the cockpit for “60 to 90 seconds” as it was descending.

One of the pilots, Stephen Harmon, told Buffalo News that it was a “really close call to disaster,” adding that it was one of the most “stressful and risky” situations of his 35-year military and commercial piloting career. US District Judge Lawrence Vilardo said the incident was a “dangerous crime” that could have “brought the plane down.” The Delta flight — originating from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — reportedly had 175 passengers and five crew onboard. According to Harmon,

“Getting shot in the eyes with a laser, intentionally, the whole way down an approach while manually landing a plane at night with 180 people right behind me, that’s not normal. That is not safe. I was distracted. I was nervous. And I was fearful I’d lose my sight and something terrible would happen.”

Pilot Describes Dangerous Moments While Landing

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Harmon previously flew in the United States Air Force (USAF), where he received training on dealing with lasers. During the laser attack, he claims to have “ducked” down and flown the aircraft manually while “looking outside as little as possible” to avoid the laser’s trajectory. As BUF does not possess the necessary equipment for an automatic landing, Harmon was forced to land the plane manually, saying he eventually had no choice but to look outside again once the plane was “just a few hundred feet” above ground.

Delta pilots apparently do not receive any special training on how to deal with laser strikes. Harmon said he used his own knowledge to instruct his co-pilot, advising him to look away. Laser beams can have a powerful impact on the pilots in the cockpit due to how they refract off the cockpit windshield. This can cause glares, temporary blindness, and even permanent eye damage, all of which occur during one of the most critical phases of flight.

Harmon appeared at the sentencing to speak to the court on the dangers of laser strikes. In December 2025, Crapsi pleaded guilty to the charge, with his lawyer describing him as “profoundly autistic” and having a fascination with light and fire. He also has “an extensive criminal history,” including attempted solicitation of a minor, assault and trespassing.

FAA Data On Laser Strikes

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded 10,994 laser strikes in 2025, which is a welcome 14% decrease year-on-year. However, incidents in recent years are much higher than historical totals, driven by the wider commercial availability of laser pens. The FAA has recorded 337 pilot injuries associated with laser strikes since it began tracking reports in 2010.

Green lasers, including the type used in the Buffalo incident, are considered the most dangerous, as the human eye perceives green light as brighter than other colors. Those who shine lasers at aircraft face federal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with FAA-imposed fines of $11,000 per violation.