Peter Tripp Akemann, 56, has been indicted for unsafe operation of a drone that collided with a Super Scooper aircraft during the Palisades Fire in California. The crash resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, which was crucial for firefighting efforts, grounding it for several days. Akemann's actions are considered a federal offense, with potential penalties including a year in federal prison or hefty fines up to $75,000 from the FAA for disrupting emergency operations.
According to officials, the plane collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a football-sized hole in the aircraft.
It's a federal crime to fly a drone in the middle of firefighting efforts and punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
The FAA can also impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations.
Prosecutors filed an indictment charging Akemann with the misdemeanor offense that carries a prison sentence of up to one year in federal prison.
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