Drone Pilot Charged for Colliding with Firefighting Aircraft

Los Angeles, California - Amidst the devastating Palisades Fire, a drone operator recklessly collided with a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft, endangering the lives of firefighters and hindering firefighting efforts.

Peter Tripp Akemann, co-founder of game developer Treyarch (now Call of Duty studio under Activision), has been identified as the culprit. The US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California announced his guilty plea to "unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft," a felony carrying a maximum one-year prison sentence.

Akemann launched his DJI Mini 3 Pro drone from Santa Monica, losing sight of it over a mile away. It crashed into the aircraft's left wing, causing a significant hole and grounding the plane. The two crew members escaped unharmed.

Due to the firefighting efforts, drone-flying near the wildfires was prohibited by the FAA. "This reckless action posed extreme threats to first responders," stated Acting United States Attorney Joseph T McNally.

As part of his plea agreement, Akemann will compensate the Quebec government for the aircraft damage and perform 150 hours of community service. The US Attorney's Office will recommend reducing his offense level in exchange for the guilty plea.

DJI Geo-fencing Failure

Akemann's attorneys cited mitigating factors, including his reliance on the drone's geo-fencing safeguard feature, which failed to prevent the collision. DJI has since stated that they are investigating the incident and working to improve their geofencing systems.

Industry Impact

This incident highlights the importance of responsible drone operation during emergencies. Law enforcement and first responders emphasize the potential risks drones pose to their critical work. As drone technology advances, regulations and education efforts must keep pace to mitigate such incidents.

Personal Statement

Akemann expressed remorse for his actions: "I deeply regret my mistake. I take responsibility for my error in judgment and am cooperating with the authorities to make amends."

Background

Akemann co-founded Treyarch in 1996, which became Activision's primary Call of Duty developer. After leaving Treyarch, he co-founded The Workshop, contributing to Gears of War 4 and XCOM 2. The studio is now Skydance Interactive, where Akemann served as president.