FBI officials Los Angeles The search is on for the operator of a privately owned drone that crashed into a Canadian plane helping to fight California wildfires.
Akhil Davis, FBI assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles field office, confirmed. Canadian Air A “Super Scooper” aircraft helping to fight wildfires in California crashed Thursday after colliding with a privately owned drone over the Palisades Fire.
According to Davis, the crash left a 3-inch by 6-inch hole in the plane’s wing.
However, when an accident occurs, policy dictates that all aircraft in the area must be evacuated, during which the impact is much more severe. Wildfires, Davis said.
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“These types of aircraft are our most effective means of suppressing and controlling these fires,” Davis said. “So when incidents like this happen, it poses a significant public safety issue and creates dangerous situations for our first responders.”
According to the FBI, an investigation was launched, and parts of the drone have since been recovered.
A Canadian firefighting plane was shot down by a drone over Los Angeles County. (FBI)
“We are working with our public and private sector counterparts to identify the operator of this drone,” Davis said. “But since this incident, we have [more than 10] Contacts with drone operators we have warned and fined in previous years.”
During a forest fire, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enacts a temporary flight ban, creating a barrier that allows the use of law enforcement-type drones and fire-suppression aircraft.
A Canadian firefighting plane was shot down by a drone over Los Angeles County. (FBI)
when Drones are operated illegally That causes a “dangerous situation” that could result in loss of life, Davis said.
“These fires are very important in size, [they] rapidly increase the amount of resources needed,” he said.[Operating private drones is] Efforts are going to be made to extinguish the fire. [away] By saving homes and saving lives. If one of these planes goes down, it will be truly devastating.”
He added that once the drone is identified, all firefighting aircraft in the area are grounded for about 20 to 30 minutes.
A hole is visible in a Canadian firefighting plane after it was hit by a drone. (FBI)
In Thursday’s case, the hold was short but costly due to the fires and resources required to maintain the fast-moving volcano.
Ground intercept teams consisting of dozens of agents are scattered throughout the region and will intercept pilots or operators who ignore FAA restrictions. Davis said they would then face fines or jail time.
“Drones are probably one of the most significant threats we face in law enforcement,” Davis said. “If you fly, we can’t. … So please don’t be selfish. Pay attention to the law. Obey the law.”
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Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding out who piloted the drone in error and other drones that violated airspace laws.
For assistance, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip. FBI.gov/.