CLEVELAND -- The FBI is investigating a laser light beam that was directed into the cockpit of a commercial airliner landing in Cleveland, NewsChannel5 reported.

The FBI says the airplane arriving from Washington, D.C. on Monday was about 15 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport when a green laser shined inside the cockpit.

The incident happened at about 8 p.m. while the plane was traveling 300 mph at 8,500 to 10,000 feet.

The light came from a residential area in suburban Warrensville Heights. The FBI is investigating whether it was a prank or whether there was another motive.

There have been more than a dozen incidents throughout the United States in the past six months of laser lights directed at commercial flights. The lights can distract or temporarily blind a pilot.

Investigators are taking the matter seriously because laser beams can be used as targeting devices in ground-to-air missiles.

The beam used is common to the construction industry, officials said.

It is relatively powerful, and is generally used to mark or level job sites before construction begins. The beams are also used by the steel industry.

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None of the lights has affected the flight of any aircraft or injured the pilots.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations mandate that laser light shows must register their locations and the lights cannot be directed above 3,000 feet.

It is against federal regulations to intentionally shine a laser beam at a commercial flight. A person who is convicted of the crime could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Anyone who has information which could help identify the person or people responsible for shining the laser on Monday should call the FBI at (216) 522-1400.