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Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, faces up to a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to recklessly operating a drone that crashed into a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during California’s Palisades Fire.
“Flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to our firefighting personnel, who are trying to help people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally during the press conference. He added that this case should serve as a warning that “if you fly a drone around wildfires, and you do so recklessly, law enforcement is going to find you, and we’re going to hold you accountable.”
On Jan. 9, Akemann flew a drone from Santa Monica toward the Palisades Fire to survey the damage, even though the FAA had banned drone flights near the fires. Losing sight of it, the drone collided with a Super Scooper, damaging its wing. The crew landed safely, but the Super Scooper was grounded for five days as the Palisades Fire continued.
The charges and plea deal were also announced by FBI official Akil Davis. During the press conference, Davis said there is currently “no evidence that the defendant intentionally caused this collision, however, flying drones in a restricted area could cause a catastrophe.”
“Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” Davis added.
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