ICYMI: California Man Wanting ‘Epic Fire Footage’ Crashes His Drone Into Firefighting Plane!
A reckless drone flight grounded a firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire, and now the operator faces prison time. 🌐 #News #LosAngelesCA #California #Crime
LOS ANGELES, CA – A California man has admitted guilt after his reckless drone flight caused damage to a Canadian Super Scooper aircraft fighting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The drone crash grounded the plane, threatening crucial firefighting efforts in the middle of an active emergency.
Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, will plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Officials announced the agreement on Friday.
Reckless Flight Causes Mid-Air Collision
According to court documents, Akemann admitted that his dangerous actions put the Super Scooper crew at significant risk.
On January 9, while the Palisades Fire was spreading, he parked on the roof of the Third Street Promenade parking garage in Santa Monica and launched his drone to film the fire. He flew it more than 1.5 miles toward the fire zone, eventually losing sight of the aircraft.
The drone collided with the Super Scooper, tearing a 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the plane’s left wing. The plane, flown by two Canadian crew members, was immediately taken out of service for repairs, leaving the firefighting team shorthanded during a critical moment.
At the time, the Federal Aviation Administration had prohibited all drone operations near the fire to protect first responders working in dangerous conditions.
Officials Slam Dangerous Drone Interference
“This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally said.
“This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations. As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.”
Restitution, Community Service Ordered
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, warned of the legal consequences for drone operators who ignore safety regulations.
“Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” Davis said.
“Please respect the law, respect the FAA’s rules, and respect our firefighters and the residents they are protecting by keeping your drone at home during wildfires.”
Akemann has agreed to pay full restitution to both the Government of Quebec, which owned the damaged Super Scooper, and the aircraft repair company. He will also complete 150 hours of community service supporting wildfire relief efforts.
RELATED TOPICS: California | Crime
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