Treyarch Co-Founder Pleads Guilty to Drone Collision with Firefighting Plane

Peter Akemann admits to reckless drone operation that damaged a critical aircraft during LA wildfires, avoiding jail time through restitution and community service.

Peter Akemann, co-founder of Treyarch, pleaded guilty to unsafe drone operation after his drone collided with a firefighting plane during the Palisades Fire in January 2025.
The collision caused a 3-by-6-inch hole in the plane's wing, grounding the aircraft and costing over $65,000 in repairs, which Akemann has agreed to pay in full.
Akemann will complete 150 hours of community service aiding Southern California wildfire relief as part of a plea deal that spares him a potential year-long prison sentence.
The incident occurred in restricted airspace, with Akemann losing sight of his drone after flying it more than 1.5 miles from its launch point.
Prosecutors and the FAA emphasized the serious safety risks posed by drones during emergency operations, warning of strict enforcement against similar violations.