Update: Hollywood exec pleads guilty to crashing drone into LA firefighting plane

It was a reckless decision with serious consequences. Peter Tripp Akemann, a 56-year-old Los Angeles resident, has pleaded guilty to crashing his drone into a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire last month. According to the US Attorney’s Office, the former president of Skydance Interactive entered his plea to a federal class-A misdemeanor count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. This misdemeanor carries a potential one-year federal prison sentence. Akemann’s sentencing has been set for June 2.

The former Hollywood executive’s actions not only endangered the aircraft and its two-person crew but also forced the plane out of service during critical firefighting efforts.

According to prosecutors, Akemann launched his DJI drone from a parking structure in Santa Monica on January 9, attempting to get a closer view of the wildfire raging in Pacific Palisades. But his curiosity quickly turned into a disaster. He lost sight of the drone, and moments later, it collided with a Quebec-supplied Super Scooper aircraft actively fighting the fire. The impact tore a 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the left wing, grounding the plane for repairs.

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Firefighters rely on every available resource when battling wildfires, and taking even one aircraft out of action can have serious consequences. The damage caused by Akemann’s drone resulted in repair costs of at least $65,169, which he has now agreed to pay in full. Additionally, he will complete 150 hours of community service, specifically contributing to Southern California wildfire relief efforts in 2025.

Government officials and law enforcement agencies have made it clear — drones near wildfires are a serious threat. Acting US Attorney Joseph T. McNally did not mince words:

This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives in an attempt to protect lives and property. This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations. As this case demonstrates, we will track down drone operators who violate the law and interfere with the critical work of our first responders.

Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, echoed that sentiment: “Lack of common sense and ignorance of your duty as a drone pilot will not shield you from criminal charges. Please respect the law, respect the FAA’s rules, and respect our firefighters by keeping your drone at home during wildfires.”

This case was investigated by the FBI, with significant assistance from the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, the FAA, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and CAL FIRE.

FAA’s No-Fly Zones are no joke

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces strict Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around wildfires to protect firefighting aircraft from interference. These restrictions are put in place to ensure safe operations for crews battling blazes from the air. Any unauthorized drone flight in these zones is not just irresponsible — it’s illegal.

While many drone pilots may assume their small devices are harmless, even a lightweight drone can cause catastrophic damage to a plane’s engine or control surfaces. In the case of the Palisades Fire, Akemann’s drone took a vital firefighting aircraft out of action when every minute counted.

Akemann’s guilty plea is likely to serve as a warning to other drone operators who might consider flying near emergency situations. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stressed that they will track down and prosecute those who violate airspace restrictions, especially when public safety is at stake.

As drone use becomes more widespread, authorities are cracking down on reckless operators. The message is clear: Stay away from emergency zones, or you could face hefty fines, criminal charges, and even jail time.

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