Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, from Culver City, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for unsafely operating a drone that collided with a “Super Scooper” firefighting aircraft during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on January 9, 2025. The collision caused significant damage to the plane’s left wing, resulting in $65,000 in repairs and grounding the aircraft during critical firefighting efforts. Akemann admitted to flying his DJI Mini 3 Pro drone beyond his line of sight and into restricted airspace, violating FAA regulations. He faces up to one year in federal prison, 150 hours of wildfire-related community service, and restitution payments. The plea deal is pending court approval. This case highlights the severe risks unauthorized drones pose to emergency operations and the legal consequences of violating aviation safety rules.
Drone Operator Pleads Guilty After Damaging Firefighting Plane in Palisades Fire
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