LOS ANGELES — The operator of a drone that collided with a firefighting aircraft, creating significant damage and resulting in its grounding amid the devastating Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, has agreed to admit guilt to a misdemeanor charge of operating the drone unsafely, according to federal authorities.
Peter Tripp Akemann could face a maximum penalty of one year in prison, with the final decision on his sentence to be made by a judge. As part of his plea bargain, he is also required to perform 150 hours of community service related to wildfire efforts and reimburse $65,000 for the damage caused to the aircraft, as stated by acting U.S. attorney Joseph McNally.
In a court appearance on Friday, Akemann maintained his freedom under court supervision while his case proceeds, having yet to formally enter a plea.
It is reported that Akemann took off the drone from a parking structure in Santa Monica on January 9, steering it over 1.5 miles towards the Palisades Fire before losing visual contact. The drone subsequently crashed into a Super Scooper aircraft that was ferrying two firefighters. This type of plane is capable of holding 1,500 gallons (6,000 liters) of water, which it can scoop up in a matter of seconds.
The wind-driven inferno that began on January 7 affected upscale areas in Pacific Palisades, damaging or destroying nearly 8,000 homes, business establishments, and other buildings, while claiming at least 12 lives. Due to the firefighting operations occurring at the time, drone flights were strictly prohibited. The fire, exacerbated by dry Santa Ana winds, has consumed around 36 square miles (94 square kilometers) and was reported to be 98% contained as of Friday.
Defense attorney Glen Jonas issued a statement expressing that Akemann is “deeply sorry for the mistake he made” and acknowledges the severe error in judgment he exhibited.
Federal authorities highlighted the crucial need for drone pilots to understand regulations, reinforcing that violations will carry consequences, especially as Los Angeles prepares for various high-profile events in the near future, such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics.
“The FAA maintains strict regulations regarding drone registration and designated flying areas. If firefighters are actively combating a blaze using aircraft, that should serve as a clear signal,” noted Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Following the incident, the Super Scooper, which is a government asset from Quebec, was temporarily grounded. Fortunately, the pilot managed to land the aircraft despite sustaining a hole in the left wing from the drone collision.
Davis clarified that there was no indication that Akemann had intentionally caused the accident. He stated, “A lack of common sense and ignorance of your responsibilities as a drone operator will not protect you from facing criminal charges.”
The fire impacted many prominent figures residing in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood, displacing thousands and leaving tens of thousands without power, including celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, who lost their homes.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the fire’s origin, which has been traced to an area behind a residence on Piedra Morada Drive, located near a densely forested arroyo.
On the same day, another wild blaze erupted in Altadena, situated approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Pacific Palisades, resulting in at least 17 deaths and over 10,000 homes and structures being affected.
The seasonal Santa Ana winds have intensified wildfires across the region, leading to devastating impacts in and around Los Angeles, particularly during a period with no substantial rainfall lasting over eight months.
