Lasers pointed at planes landing at JFK airport in New York

NEW YORK (WPVI) -- An investigation is underway after someone pointed a green laser at the cockpit of several flights leaving JFK in New York Thursday night.

At least four different commercial flights were affected by the laser shining straight into the cockpit just after takeoff.

The first pilots reported it to air traffic control.

"I thought it was just a rouge laser, but they were definitely aiming for us a couple times, because we caught it a couple times into the cockpit," said one pilot.

The warning then went out to other pilots flying nearby.

"American 185, If you see a green laser be careful. A green laser might be in your vicinity right now," said air traffic control.

And within seconds, that airbus, which was headed to Los Angeles, was hit too.

"American 185 we just had a laser strike, left side," said the pilot.

It's an issue authorities take very seriously.

"Many don't see that this little green laser has the potential to take out a plane filled with 400 people," said John Nance, aviation expert.

Just last year, a Medivac helicopter had to make an emergency landing after the pilot's eye was burned by someone below pointing a laser.

"This is very dangerous and puts the pilot in a very vulnerable state where they can't land the airplane," said Nance.

No one was hurt in Thursday night's incidents, but investigators are determined to find the person or people responsible.

They're searching a state park on Long Island, believing whoever did this was standing somewhere nearby.

Because this is a Federal crime, if caught, the person or people responsible could face years in prison.