California Man Admits to Reckless Drone Flight that Damaged Firefighting Aircraft

Tue 4th Feb, 2025

A man in California has confessed to operating a drone recklessly during severe wildfires in Los Angeles in January, resulting in damage to a firefighting aircraft. This incident has led to the aircraft being grounded, according to officials from the local district attorney's office.

The individual, aged 56, faced a potential prison sentence of up to one year for his actions. However, he has agreed to cover the full repair costs, which amount to at least $65,000, and to perform 150 hours of community service to assist with recovery efforts following the fires. Notably, the man is a co-founder of Treyarch, a prominent video game studio, and previously served as president of Skydance Interactive.

On January 9, the man drove to a parking garage in Santa Monica, located west of Los Angeles, where he launched his drone towards the Pacific Palisades area, a neighborhood grappling with intense wildfires. After flying approximately 2.5 kilometers, he lost sight of the drone, which subsequently collided with a firefighting plane, creating a substantial hole measuring about 7 by 14 centimeters. The Canadian aircraft, sent to assist with firefighting efforts, was forced to undergo repairs and could not be deployed until the damage was addressed.

The Pacific Palisades area experienced particularly devastating effects from the wildfires that year, with entire blocks being reduced to ashes. The district attorney's office noted that the man acted without regard for safety, highlighting the significant risks associated with drone operations during disaster scenarios. The FBI underscored that a lack of common sense and ignorance of regulations would not exempt the operator from facing consequences. At the time of the incident, temporary flight restrictions were in effect.

Legal representatives for the man have indicated that technical issues with the drone's geofencing feature may have contributed to the incident, suggesting that the drone flew beyond its intended limits.


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