Piloting his DJI Mini 3 Pro beyond his ability to see the drone, Akemann smashed into the Canadian Super Scooper Quebec 1, leaving a football-sized hole in the firefighting aircraft's left wing and forcing it out of service for repairs. The pilot had launched his drone from a parking structure near Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade to observe the deadly fire.
“This defendant irresponsibly flew an aircraft into restricted airspace, endangering first responders who were risking their lives to protect people and property,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “As this case demonstrates, we will pursue and hold accountable drone operators who break the law and interfere with critical emergency operations.”
Akemann's guilty plea may allow him to avoid a year in federal prison and a hefty fine (up to $100,000), although the U.S. District Court does not have to accept the agreement. The drone pilot also agreed to reimburse the Super Scooper's owner, the Government of Quebec—as well as the company engaged to fix the plane—for more than $65,000 in repairs. In addition, Akemann agrees to complete 150 hours of community service—mostly for wildfire relief efforts in Southern California.
CLICK HERE to see the Plea Agreement.
Through his attorneys, Akemann stated that he is “deeply sorry for the mistake he made by flying a drone near the boundary of the Palisades fire area on January 9, 2025, and for the resulting accident. He accepts responsibility for his grave error in judgment.”
