FAA announcement or press release

FAA to Investigate Drone Collision with Super Scooper Over Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on January 9, 2025

Jan 10, 2025, 01:37 AM

A firefighting aircraft, identified as a Super Scooper, collided with a drone while operating over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 9, 2025, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft landed safely despite the collision. The FAA has stated that it will investigate the incident. The agency emphasized that flying drones in restricted airspace, particularly during firefighting operations, is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison, and it can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against drone pilots who interfere with such operations. The Palisades Fire, which has consumed 19,978 acres and remains at zero percent containment, has destroyed or burned over 9,000 structures.