Culver City Drone Operator to Plead Guilty in Landmark Super Scooper Collision Case

In a precedent-setting case highlighting the serious consequences of unauthorized drone operations during emergency response situations, a Culver City resident is scheduled to plead guilty Wednesday to federal charges after his drone collided with and damaged a firefighting aircraft during the Palisades Fire in January 2025, reports ABC7 Los Angeles. The incident marks one of the first criminal prosecutions for drone interference with aerial firefighting operations in the United States.

Incident Details and Legal Consequences

Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, will enter a plea to a federal class-A misdemeanor count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, according to documents filed in Los Angeles federal court. The charge stems from a January 9th, 2025 incident where Akemann’s drone struck a Government of Quebec Super Scooper aircraft actively engaged in firefighting operations over the Pacific Palisades area.

The collision resulted in significant damage to the firefighting aircraft, creating a 3-inch by 6-inch hole in its left wing and necessitating immediate removal from service. Repair costs totaled at least $65,169, which Akemann has agreed to pay as restitution to both the government of Quebec and the aircraft repair company.

Operational Impact and Safety Implications

The incident occurred despite active Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, which explicitly prohibited drone operations near Los Angeles County wildfires. According to court documents, Akemann drove to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and parked his vehicle on the top floor of the parking structure. He then launched his drone and flew it more than 1.5 miles toward the fire zone to observe the Wildfire damage, ultimately losing sight of the aircraft.

When charges were filed in late January, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the defendant’s reckless operation “posed an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of Police and fire to conduct operations.”

Legal Resolution and Industry Impact

The terms of Akemann’s plea agreement reflect the severity of the incident. He will be required to pay full restitution for aircraft repairs and complete 150 hours of community service supporting 2025 Southern California wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, he faces potential imprisonment of up to one year for the federal misdemeanor charge. Akemann appeared in court in downtown Los Angeles on January 31 and was released on a $15,000 bond.

Regulatory Context and Industry Implications

This case brings several critical issues facing the Drone Industry into sharp focus. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring drone operator compliance with temporary flight restrictions, particularly during emergency operations. Additionally, Akemann’s flight beyond visual line of sight demonstrates the risks associated with unauthorized operations and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms. The collision also reinforces the importance of developing robust protocols for deconflicting civilian drone operations with emergency response aircraft.

Future Implications

FBI Los Angeles Field Office Assistant Director Akil Davis warned that “lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges,” adding a plea to the public to “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.”

This case represents a significant precedent in drone law enforcement and may influence future regulatory approaches to unauthorized drone operations, particularly in emergency scenarios. It also underscores the drone industry’s ongoing need to develop better technical solutions for preventing unauthorized flights in restricted airspace.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining situational awareness and following established protocols when operating unmanned aircraft systems, particularly during emergency response operations.