Firefighting aircraft collides with drone over Palisades Fire
A firefighting aircraft struck a drone while it was operating over the Palisades Fire on Thursday evening, aviation authorities say.
The aircraft, nicknamed a Super Scooper, suffered a hole in its wing but landed safely. Nobody was injured, the Federal Aviation Administration said, adding that the incident was under investigation.
“Flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives,” it said, noting that this could cause aircraft to be grounded.
“Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger.”
Flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime, and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000.
