Inquiry begun after American Airlines flight reports mysterious blue light while trying to land

An American Airlines flight reported seeing a strange blue light while it was preparing to land last week - prompting an investigation.

The flight had departed from Charleston, South Carolina, according to American Airlines in a statement it shared with Fox News Digital.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the crew reported this as a laser event," the airline said.

American Airlines said its pilots receive training on how to handle potential laser illumination incidents and are instructed to report any such events immediately.

From those incidents, 10 injuries were reported, the FAA said.

Federal officials have repeatedly warned that laser strikes pose a serious safety risk to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing.

"Laser pointers may seem like a toy, office tool or game. Pointed to the sky, lasers are a serious threat," the FAA said.  

The FAA said violators may be fined up to $32,000 per incident - and could also face criminal charges under federal law.

The incident occurred about two miles from the airport, and no injuries were reported.

Alexandra Koch of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.