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Quebec 1 Super Scooper Grounded After Drone Collision, FAA Investigates Federal Crime

Jan 10, 2025, 08:13 AM

A firefighting aircraft, identified as a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper named Quebec 1, was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone while operating over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on January 9, 2025. The incident occurred in restricted airspace, resulting in damage to the aircraft's wing. No injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the collision, which has been classified as a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000. The Super Scooper, leased from Quebec, Canada, was one of two such aircraft deployed to combat the wildfires. The grounding of the aircraft has impacted firefighting efforts, as these planes are capable of scooping up to 1,600 gallons of water in about five minutes for multiple drops per flight. The area is under temporary flight restrictions to prevent interference with firefighting operations.