JUAN CARLO / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a significant development following the chaotic events of the Palisades Fire, federal authorities have announced that a California man is set to plead guilty to crashing his drone into a critical firefighting aircraft. Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, of Culver City, admitted to operating the drone that collided with a “Super Scooper” plane during the firefighting efforts, severely impacting aerial operations at a critical moment in Los Angeles’ battle against devastating wildfires.
The wind-driven Palisades Fire raged for days in Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities, burning 23,400 acres, killing 12 people, and destroying more than 6,800 properties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, the fire spread rapidly, forcing thousands to evacuate and overwhelming first responders battling to contain the flames.
Earlier this month, while the Palisades Fire was raging and threatening communities across Los Angeles, the drone struck the Super Scooper as it made water drops over Pacific Palisades.
The impact caused a substantial hole in the plane’s wing, taking it out of service and costing valuable time in containing the blaze.
SuperScooper grounded after drone strike pic.twitter.com/a7ApxeNHm1
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 10, 2025
Facing the Consequences: Restitution, Service, and Possible Prison Time
Akemann is facing a federal misdemeanor charge for unsafe drone operation. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to:
- Pay full restitution for the damages, covering the $65,169 repair cost incurred by the government of Quebec (which owns the Super Scooper) and the aircraft repair company.
- Complete 150 hours of community service aiding the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief efforts.
- Potentially serve up to one year in federal prison.
“This damage 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,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally in a press release from US Attorney’s Office. “As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.”
How It Happened: A Drone in Restricted Airspace
According to the plea agreement, Akemann launched his drone from Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade while the fires were burning. He parked his vehicle on the top floor of the parking structure, then launched a drone and flew it towards Pacific Palisades to observe damage caused by the Palisades Fire.
Akemann flew it more than 1.5 miles toward the fire, ultimately losing sight of it before the collision. Authorities highlighted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had imposed strict temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) to prevent exactly this kind of interference during the firefighting efforts.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis stated that while there is no evidence the drone was intentionally flown into the Super Scooper. However, the entire ordeal it highlights the dangers of operating drones in restricted airspace.
“Going forward, we’re going to be dealing with more drones, and the likelihood of a disastrous result will increase,” Davis warned.
At the time, the Super Scooper was carrying two crew members and executing water drops when the drone struck its left wing, tearing a three-inch-by-six-inch hole. After landing, maintenance crews assessed the damage and determined the aircraft had to be taken out of service for repairs.
The bottom line: every second counts in wildfire response
The consequences were immediate and severe. Cal Fire spokesmen have repeatedly emphasized that the loss of a Super Scooper during wildfire season is a significant setback. Every minute a plane is grounded, more acres of land are at risk.
Federal officials are reiterating the importance of adhering to airspace restrictions, especially during emergencies. “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office.
This is a cautionary tale for drone operators looking to go viral
As drone technology becomes more accessible, so does the risk of incidents like this interfering with emergency operations. The FAA and firefighting officials have repeatedly warned that unauthorized drones in disaster zones not only delay response efforts but can also force all firefighting aircraft to be grounded if a rogue drone is detected.
The stakes have never been higher as Southern California braces for increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
This whole incident is a good reminder to not be a bonehead in the middle of a catastrophe. No footage is worth endangering lives or jeopardizing critical firefighting efforts. Authorities are urging drone operators to exercise extreme caution—and old fashioned common sense—when disaster strikes.
Akemann is expected to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Friday.
The date for his formal plea has yet to be scheduled.