A powerful green laser beam penetrated the cockpit of a jet getting ready to land at JFK International Airport, and it was so bright the pilot had to shield his eyes, authorities said.

The pilot told air traffic controllers that he had to use a sun visor to shield his eyes after the the light shone into the cockpit of the JetBlue plane at 7:45 p.m. The light appeared to come from the shoreline and was pointed directly at the cock[pit, the pilot said.

The plane, flying from Portland to JFK, landed safely without incident.

Police are investigating.