LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – A 56-year-old Culver City man has agreed to plead guilty to “recklessly operating a drone” after it crashed and damaged a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.
Peter Tripp Akemann admitted to “illegal conduct” during his flight, putting the safety of the Super Scooper crew at risk, according to the DOJ's news release. The crash, which occurred on January 9, led to damage of the wing on the SuperScooper Quebec 1, forcing the aircraft out of service just two days after the fire erupted.
“This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft” when “first responders were risking their lives,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally, stressing the seriousness of the offense. Investigators confirmed Akemann launched his drone from the top of the Third Street Promenade parking structure to observe damage from the fire.
The collision caused significant damage, resulting in at least $65,000 worth of repair costs. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Akemann will have to pay full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which owns the Super Scooper aircraft, and to the aircraft repair company responsible for the repairs.
Akemann will also spend 150 hours completing community service dedicated to the 2025 Southern California wildfire relief effort, but he could face up to one year of federal prison time for his misdemeanor conviction.
“He accepts responsibility for his grave error and is cooperating with the government to make amends,” the lawyers representing Akemann mentioned, expressing his remorse. At his court appearance, Akemann was released on $15,000 bail.
The Super Scooper had been actively fighting the Palisades Fire, which broke out on January 7 and quickly spread due to strong Santa Ana winds, charred nearly 24,000 acres, and resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed throughout the incident, raising questions over the Los Angeles Fire Department’s resources and staffing during this crisis.
The collision and its aftermath brought to light the issue of drone interference with firefighting efforts. The CL-415 Super Scooper was prioritizing water drops on the fire when Akemann's drone struck, leaving a 4-inch hole and damaging the internal wing structure, grounded for repairs for five days.
“Drone interference can significantly delay emergency response and jeopardize public safety,” federal officials stressed. They highlighted the importance of strict adherence to regulations surrounding drone operations, especially during emergencies.
Federal authorities, including FBI's Los Angeles Field Office's Assistant Director Akil Davis, reiterated the penalties for unsafe operation of drones: fines, criminal charges, and the risk of drone confiscation. He pointed out, “The FAA has very strict guidelines about registering drones and where drones can be flown. The onus is on the pilot.”
The Palisades Fire wasn’t the only major wildfire affecting the region; at the same time, the Eaton Fire broke out, leading to mass evacuations and more destruction. Combined, these blazes tested the limits of local firefighting capabilities, which were hampered by the negligence of drone operators like Akemann.
Officials warned this incident serves as not only a cautionary tale but also highlights the need for proper drone operation education, especially with significant events such as the Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics approaching Los Angeles. Authorities assert any drone operation near such events without proper clearance will not be tolerated.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to pursue drone operators who interfere with first responders’ efforts,” McNally stated, emphasizing the necessity of upholding laws protecting public safety.
Akemann remains under supervision pending his sentencing, which could include jail time as well as the restitution and community service outlined. His actions underscored the importance of responsible drone use, particularly during emergencies when lives are at stake.
While Akemann may have avoided jail time with this plea, it serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of reckless drone operation. The incident not only grounded the Super Scooper but also delayed firefighting efforts, contributing to the overall devastation caused by the Palisades Fire.
Federal authorities are on heightened alert against such incidents, making it clear to aerial drone operators everywhere: violating drone laws can lead to serious legal repercussions.