LOS ANGELES — In a recent development, the drone operator involved in a collision with a firefighting plane during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles has reached an agreement to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unsafe drone operation, according to federal authorities.
Peter Tripp Akemann’s plea deal will allow him to avoid incarceration, instead requiring him to perform 150 hours of community service related to wildfire relief and to pay $65,000 in restitution for the damages incurred by the incident, as stated by acting U.S. attorney Joseph McNally. The misdemeanor charge could have led to up to a year in jail, with Akemann scheduled for a court appearance later that day.
On January 9, Akemann reportedly launched his drone from a Santa Monica parking structure, sending it more than 1.5 miles toward the Palisades Fire before losing sight of the device. The drone subsequently collided with a Super Scooper aircraft, which was tasked with firefighting efforts and had two crew members onboard. This specialized plane can quickly scoop up to 1,500 gallons (6,000 liters) of water.
The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7 and was exacerbated by powerful Santa Ana winds, wreaked havoc, damaging or destroying nearly 8,000 structures, including homes and businesses, and resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Drone flights in the area were prohibited during firefighting operations. The fire spread over at least 36 square miles (94 square kilometers) and was reported to be 98% contained by Friday.
Federal officials underscored the importance of drone operators being aware of regulations and the potential repercussions of violations, especially as Los Angeles prepares to host significant events such as the World Cup, Super Bowl, and the Olympics.
“The FAA enforces stringent rules regarding the registration and operation of drones. It is the pilot’s responsibility to understand these guidelines, particularly in situations where aircraft are actively engaged in firefighting,” remarked Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
The Super Scooper, operated by the government of Quebec, was grounded for several days following the incident. Fortunately, the pilot managed to safely land the aircraft despite sustaining damage to the left wing from the impact.
Davis noted that there was no indication that Akemann had intentionally caused the crash, but he emphasized, “A lack of common sense and failure to recognize one’s obligations as a drone operator will not excuse individuals from facing legal consequences.”
This catastrophic fire impacted many high-profile residents in the affluent Pacific Palisades area, including well-known figures such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal, who lost their homes. The blaze forced thousands to evacuate and disrupted power supplies for tens of thousands more.
Authorities are still investigating the origins of the fire, which is believed to have started near a residence on Piedra Morada Drive, situated above a densely wooded ravine.
Simultaneously, another fire ignited the same day in Altadena, around 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of the Palisades Fire, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and damage to more than 10,000 buildings.
Seasonal Santa Ana winds have exacerbated wildfire conditions in Los Angeles, where an extended dry spell has persisted, with no substantial rainfall in recent months.
Residents affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena expressed frustration at receiving little to no advance warning about mandatory evacuations, with some claiming the first alert came via an urgent text message in the dead of night.
In response to community concerns, Los Angeles County officials approved an external review of the effectiveness of emergency alerts related to both the Eaton and Palisades fires. City officials have not publicly addressed inquiries about delays in notifications during the Palisades Fire, although Fire Capt. Branden Silverman acknowledged that assessing a fire situation and determining evacuation requirements may take time.
