FBI Launches Criminal Probe Over Drone That Hit Fire Suppression Plane

The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into a drone that hit one of the planes that was being used to conduct fire suppression operations near Malibu, California.

The Bureau said that they are seeking information leading to the identity of the person operating the drone that collided with a “super scooper” airplane that was combatting the Palisades Fire.

The incident happened on January 9th when “an unauthorized drone flying in violation of an FAA temporary flight restriction (TFR) collided with” the firefighting aircraft.

“The collision left a 3 x 6 inch hole in the left wing. Parts of the heavily damaged drone were recovered,” the FBI said.

Authorities were forced to move firefighting aircraft out of the area after the drone collided with the plane on Thursday. The plane was grounded for several days to be repaired, taking away a key asset for firefighters as the Palisades fire continues to burn. Authorities said that the drones were spotted near the southeastern portion of the fire around 4:40 p.m. on Friday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on Thursday warning drone operators of the consequences of interfering with firefighting efforts.

“It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands,” the FAA said. “Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations when temporary flight restrictions are in place.”

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