Treyarch Co-Founder Guilty for Drone Crash in LA Fires
Treyarch co-founder, Peter Akemann, who previously held the position of president at Skydance Interactive, has admitted to being responsible for flying a drone that collided with a firefighting plane during the recent LA wildfires. The incident occurred on January 9th, resulting in damage to the left wing of the Super Scooper firefighting aircraft, rendering it inoperable for several days and hindering firefighting efforts in the region.
Despite temporary flight restrictions imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration to prevent drones from interfering with firefighting operations, Akemann launched his drone from a Santa Monica parking garage to observe the Palisades Fire. Unfortunately, he lost control of the drone, leading to the collision with the firefighting plane approximately a mile and a half away from its takeoff point.
As a result of this reckless action, Akemann has agreed to plead guilty to unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft, a misdemeanor that carries a potential prison sentence of up to one year. However, he is seeking to avoid jail time by completing 150 hours of community service to support wildfire relief efforts and paying the $65,000 repair costs for the damaged plane.
Acting US attorney Joseph T. McNally condemned Akemann’s actions, emphasizing the serious consequences of flying drones in restricted airspace during emergencies. McNally stressed that such behavior poses a significant threat to the safety of first responders and compromises their ability to carry out critical operations effectively. The authorities are committed to holding drone operators accountable for violating laws that impede emergency response efforts.
In response to the incident, Akemann’s defense attorneys expressed his remorse and willingness to take responsibility for his actions. They acknowledged the gravity of his error in judgment and assured that he is cooperating with the authorities to rectify the situation. While accepting his culpability, they also hinted at potential mitigating factors that could be presented during the court proceedings, including the alleged malfunction of a geo-fencing safety feature on Akemann’s DJI Drone.
With a background in co-founding Treyarch, renowned for its contributions to the Call of Duty series, Akemann’s involvement in the drone crash has garnered significant attention. Having transitioned to a leadership role at Skydance Interactive in 2016, Akemann’s recent departure from the company adds another layer of intrigue to his legal predicament.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with operating drones in restricted airspace, especially during critical emergency situations. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to aviation regulations to safeguard the well-being of first responders and the public.
The outcome of Akemann’s case will undoubtedly shape the public’s perception of drone usage and reinforce the need for responsible flying practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.