Hobbyist DJI Mini 3 Pro punches a hole in a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the LA Palisades Fire

[COLLISION]

Jan 9, 2025 · DJI · DJI Mavic 3 Pro · Global

Failure Mode

COLLISION

Event Date

Jan 9, 2025

Primary Entity

DJI

Robotic Platform

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Jurisdiction / Location

Global

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

Peter Akemann flew a DJI Mini 3 Pro into a Quebec-government CL-415 'Super Scooper', leaving an approximately 3-by-6-inch hole in the left wing and grounding the aircraft for about five days during active firefighting. He agreed to plead guilty to unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, pay at least 65,169 USD restitution, and perform 150 hours of community service. Source: US DOJ (USAO Central District of California) press release.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

DJI Mavic 3 ProView Spec

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.faa.gov/uas/

    https://www.faa.gov/uas/

  • https://abcnews.com/US/drone-operator-charged-hitting-super-scooper-plane-palisades/story?id=118313936

    https://abcnews.com/US/drone-operator-charged-hitting-super-scooper-plane-palisades/story?id=118313936

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in Hobbyist DJI Mini 3 Pro punches a hole in a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the LA Palisades Fire?

Peter Akemann flew a DJI Mini 3 Pro into a Quebec-government CL-415 'Super Scooper', leaving an approximately 3-by-6-inch hole in the left wing and grounding the aircraft for about five days during active firefighting. He agreed to plead guilty to unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, pay at least 65,169 USD restitution, and perform 150 hours of community service. Source: US DOJ (USAO Central District of California) press release.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on January 9, 2025 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in Hobbyist DJI Mini 3 Pro punches a hole in a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the LA Palisades Fire?

DJI Mavic 3 Pro by DJI is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Global.

Has anyone responded to Hobbyist DJI Mini 3 Pro punches a hole in a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the LA Palisades Fire?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of Hobbyist DJI Mini 3 Pro punches a hole in a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the LA Palisades Fire?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.