Culver City man pleads guilty for drone crash during wildfire response

In January 2025, a serious incident occurred during the Palisades Fire in California, when Peter Tripp Akemann, a 56-year-old Culver City resident, crashed a drone into a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper firefighting aircraft. This drone collision happened as firefighters were engaged in a critical battle against the wildfire, preserving lives and property in an area that had already burned over 23,000 acres. The Super Scooper was equipped to carry water from the Pacific Ocean and was essential in combating the escalating fire, demonstrating the reliance on aerial firefighting efforts. The incident unfolded on January 9, when Akemann launched his drone from a parking structure at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Planning to observe the wildfire's impact, he flew the drone approximately 1.5 miles towards the flames. Before he could regain control or visibility of the drone, it crashed into the Super Scooper, creating a 3-inch by 6-inch hole in the aircraft's left wing. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the two crew members aboard, but the damage sidelined the plane for about five days, delaying vital firefighting operations as the fire spread. Investigators determined that while there was no intention behind Akemann's actions to cause harm, he was still held accountable for the consequences of flying the drone in restricted airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued temporary flight restrictions surrounding the area, strictly prohibiting unauthorized drone flights, especially amidst such emergency firefighting efforts. This highlights the significant responsibility that drone operators bear, especially in high-risk situations involving emergency responders. As part of a plea agreement, Akemann accepted responsibility and agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, a misdemeanor that carries a possible sentence of up to one year. He is also required to pay restitution for the $65,169 repair costs incurred by the damage to the Super Scooper. In addition, Akemann must complete 150 hours of community service focused on wildfire relief efforts in Southern California. This case has underscored the reckless behavior related to drone operation during emergencies and the potential ramifications, emphasizing the need for public awareness and adherence to safety regulations protecting emergency service operations.