Firefighting Plane Grounded For Days After Drone Collision

Collision Grounds Firefighting Aircraft Amid LA Wildfires

Federal authorities and California police are investigating after a civilian drone collided with a firefighting aircraft battling Los Angeles wildfires, causing a fist-sized hole in the wing and grounding the plane.

The incident involved Quebec 1, a Super Scooper water bomber from Canada, which was fighting the massive Palisades Fire. It occurred around 1 p.m. Thursday, as the aircraft carried water to contain the blaze. The damage, discovered after landing at Van Nuys Airport, knocked the plane out of service for critical days, according to officials.

The FAA is investigating, emphasizing that flying unauthorized drones near wildfires is a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison and a $75,000 fine. Interference with firefighting efforts can delay responses and exacerbate fire spread, potentially endangering lives.

The Palisades Fire, Southern California’s largest active wildfire, has burned over 20,000 acres, claimed 10 lives, and destroyed more than 10,000 structures. It remains only 8% contained.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid flying drones near wildfires to ensure the safety and efficiency of emergency responders.