Drone Pilot Sentenced for Crashing UAV Into Firefighting Aircraft in California

A Culver City man has been sentenced for flying a drone that collided with a firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, causing significant damage and temporarily grounding the critical water-dropping plane, according to NBC LA.

Peter Tripp Akemann, 57, a computer game developer, pleaded guilty in February to a federal class-A misdemeanor for unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. The incident occurred on January 9, 2025, when Akemann’s drone struck a Quebec government “Super Scooper” firefighting aircraft, forcing it out of service and delaying wildfire suppression efforts.

Collision Grounded Firefighting Aircraft

Court filings show Akemann launched his drone from the top floor of a Santa Monica parking structure and flew it more than 1.5 miles toward the fire. The drone struck the Super Scooper, carrying two crew members, and caused a 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the wing. The aircraft was pulled from service for repairs, costing at least $65,169, according to federal prosecutors.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued temporary flight restrictions over Los Angeles County wildfire zones at the time, banning drone operations. Violating these restrictions placed firefighting personnel and residents at further risk.

Court Agreement and Restitution

As part of his plea agreement in Los Angeles federal court, Akemann must pay full restitution to the Quebec government, which supplied the plane, and to the aircraft repair company. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of community service supporting the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief effort.

In a letter to the court, Akemann apologized to the Super Scooper crew and Los Angeles residents, describing his actions as “stupid and reckless.” He admitted to flying the drone partly out of curiosity to observe fire damage and concern for a friend’s home near the burn area. He lost control of the drone after signal loss and later learned from the news that a collision had occurred.

Federal Officials Condemn Reckless Flight

The U.S. Attorney’s Office called the incident “a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people.” FBI Los Angeles assistant director Akil Davis added, “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges. Please respect the law, respect the FAA’s rules and respect our firefighters.”

DroneXL’s Take

This case highlights the severe consequences of flying drones near active wildfire zones. Beyond grounding a vital aircraft and delaying emergency response, the incident has resulted in criminal penalties, restitution costs, and community service. For recreational and professional drone pilots, the takeaway is clear: flying in restricted airspace is not just illegal, it endangers lives and critical operations.

Should regulators and industry groups ramp up education efforts, or are stronger penalties the only way to deter reckless flights? Share your perspective in the comments.

Photo credits: FBI