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Man from California faces federal prison time for causing a drone to hit a plane


Peter Tripp Akemann, a man from Southern California, has admitted to recklessly operating a drone that collided with a firefighting airplane during the Palisades Fire last month. Akemann agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, which carries a potential sentence of up to one year in federal prison. The drone, flown by Akemann, hit a Canadian firefighting aircraft, causing a 3-inch-by-6-inch hole in the left wing and resulting in over $65,000 in damage and repair costs.

The incident occurred on the third day of the wildfire in Los Angeles County, grounding the firefighting plane. Akemann had launched the drone from a parking structure in Santa Monica to observe fire damage, flying it more than 1.5 miles towards the fire before losing sight of it. At the time of the collision, the FAA had issued temporary flight restrictions prohibiting drone operations near the wildfires.

Akemann agreed to pay full restitution to the Quebec government for the damage caused to the firefighting plane and to complete 150 hours of community service supporting wildfire relief efforts in Southern California. The Palisades Fire, along with the Eaton Fire, which broke out during a wind event, is now 100% contained. Akemann’s sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

Photo credit
www.usatoday.com

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