Drone that hit firefighting aircraft over LA fire investigated

Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. An investigation was continuing Friday into a drone strike that damaged a water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft over Palisades Fire.(AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

PACIFIC PALISADES – A Federal Aviation Administration investigation was continuing Friday into a drone strike that damaged a water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft over Palisades Fire, putting it out of service during a crucial battle against various blazes in the area.

The aircraft was struck on Thursday and landed safely, and no crew members were injured.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the crew aboard the plane was unaware that it had struck a drone, only learning of the collision after it landed to refuel at Van Nuys Airport.

Marrone said a “fist-sized” hold was punched into a wind of the plane — one of two Super Scoopers that operate in the county through a lease with Quebec, Canada.

The chief said the plane will be out of service for repairs, and will not return to the air until Monday.

“Flying a drone in the fire traffic area is not only dangerous, but it’s illegal,” Marrone said.

He said federal officials are “implementing procedures to be able to follow drones in our two large fire areas, and they will be able to identify who the operator of that drone is.”

He also noted that when drones are spotted in fire areas, all aerial firefighting aircraft have to be grounded for safety reasons.

According to the FAA, individuals who interfere with firefighting efforts are committing a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison.

The agency can also impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any unauthorized drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations while temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are in place.

The FAA stated that it treats such violations seriously and considers swift enforcement action for such offenses. (CNS)

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