Last month we reported on a collision between a civilian drone and a firefighting plane. The pilot of the drone has now agreed to plead guilty and faces up to a year in prison.
What happened?
At the height of the Californian wildfires in January, a civilian drone hit a firefighting aircraft over the Palisades fire. Thankfully, the crew were able to land the plane safely after the crash which destroyed the drone. However, the impact left a large hole in the firefighting aircraft’s wing. As a result, it was grounded for repairs for several days and unable to help fight the devastating fires.
Outcry
At the time, the drone community reacted swiftly to condemn the pilot’s recklessness. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also restated the laws and restrictions around drone use. A spokesperson said, “It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations.”
Court case
On Friday, January 31, Peter Tripp Akemann agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of unsafely operating a drone. Akemann had launched his drone from the top of a parking structure in Santa Monica. He flew the drone for over a mile and a half toward the Palisades fire before he lost sight of it. The drone then collided with the firefighting plane.
Akemann’s defense attorney Glen Jonas issued a media statement that said that his client was, “deeply sorry for the mistake he made.” It also stated that Akemann “accepts responsibility for his grave error in judgment.”
Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said, “The FAA has very strict guidelines about registering drones and where drones can be flown. The onus is on the pilot, if firefighters are putting out a fire with aircraft that should be a clue. Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges.”
Plea agreement
Akemann has not yet formally entered his plea. However, as part of his plea agreement, Akemann will have to do 150 hours of wildfire-related community service. He must also pay $65,000 in restitution for the damage to the plane. While Akemann gets to remain out of jail during the case, he is under court supervision. Acting U.S. attorney Joseph McNally said a judge will determine Akemann’s final sentence but that he faces up to a year in prison.
What we think
The irresponsible actions of a minority of pilots such as Akemann cause problems for the whole drone community. In this case, Akemann put the lives of the two people on the plane at risk. He also hampered the efforts to fight the wildfires, leading to more destruction and risk to the firefighters on the ground. While Akemann has accepted responsibility for his action, he now faces community service, a financial penalty, and possible time in prison. Hopefully, this will deter other drone users from breaking the law in the future.
