In a recent legal development, 56-year-old Peter Tripp Akemann of Culver City, California, has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. This plea follows a January 9 incident where Akemann’s drone collided with a “Super Scooper” firefighting plane during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.
According to federal prosecutors, Akemann launched his DJI Mini 3 Pro drone from Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, intending to capture footage of the wildfire. He piloted the drone beyond his line of sight, approximately 1.5 miles toward Pacific Palisades, where it struck the left wing of the firefighting aircraft, creating a 3-inch-by-6-inch hole. The damaged plane, operated by the Government of Quebec, was forced to land and was subsequently taken out of service for repairs, incurring costs exceeding $65,000.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property.” He further noted that such actions compromise the safety and effectiveness of emergency operations.
As part of the plea agreement, Akemann has committed to paying full restitution for the damages and performing 150 hours of community service related to wildfire relief efforts. He faces a potential sentence of up to one year in federal prison. The court has yet to accept the plea agreement, which also includes a year of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $100,000.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating, “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges.” He urged drone operators to adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, especially during emergencies, to prevent interference with critical response efforts.
The Palisades Fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, caused extensive damage in the Pacific Palisades area, destroying or damaging nearly 8,000 structures and resulting in at least 12 fatalities. The incident underscores the dangers unauthorized drones pose to firefighting operations and the importance of public awareness regarding airspace restrictions during such emergencies.
