Drone Pilot Who Crashed into L.A. Fire Bomber in January Sentenced | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

Drone Pilot Who Crashed into L.A. Fire Bomber Sentenced

He will receive prison time and be required to pay for the airplane’s repair

CL-415 wing damage — A rogue drone flown by a California business executive damaged the wing of a Canadair CL-415 water bomber while it was engaged in fighting the Los Angeles wildfires in January. Its pilot was sentenced to prison, home confinement, community service, and $156,000 in fines and restitution to the airplane’s operator. © StandardAero

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

September 19, 2025

The California business executive who piloted the drone that collided with a firebomber battling the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year has been sentenced to prison, home confinement, and more than $150,000 in fines and restitution.

Peter Tripp Akemann, a resident of L.A. suburb Culver City, pled guilty back in January to one count of unsafe operation of an uncrewed aircraft. He was at the controls of the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone that, on January 9, was struck by a Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” water bomber sent from Canada to assist in fighting the conflagration that threatened the city. Akemann launched the drone from the roof of a parking structure and flew it more than 1.5 miles toward the fires until he lost sight of it.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Watchdog Warns of Lack of FAA Purchase Card Oversight

DOT OIG estimates as much as one-third of purchase card transactions did not have proper controls

Regulations and Government

FAA headquarters sign

Iran War Continues To Weigh on Gulf Bizjet Traffic

Lastest data from WingX shows further decline in traffic in region

Regulations and Government

MEBAA 2024 show business jets

Jury Sides with Aerosonic in Joby Trade Secrets Case

Probe maker wins $116.9 million verdict against eVTOL developer

Regulations and Government

Joby’s eVTOL flies at sunset

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Regulations and Government

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Regulations and Government

Smartsky connectivity on a Citation CJ3

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Regulations and Government

jets on ramp at Mexican airport

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

Regulations and Government

U.S. Marines trial Regent Craft seaglider

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

Regulations and Government