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Water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft set to return to service after colliding with a civilian drone
A Super Scooper plane drops water on the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, 2025.
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Brian van der Brug
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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A water-dropping Super Scooper aircraft sent from Canada to battle fires ravaging the L.A. area that was grounded after colliding with a civilian drone on Thursday could be back in service by Tuesday, officials said.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Monday that the drone was repaired and they are awaiting FAA approval.
The collision took the aircraft, which was being used to fight the deadly Palisades Fire, out of commission to repair a fist-sized hole in its wing at a time when firefighters are struggling to increase containment. No injuries were reported. The Super Scooper that was damaged was one of two such planes aiding in firefighting efforts.
As of Thursday night, firefighters had managed to contain the nearly 20,000-acre fire by 14%. The fire has so far destroyed or damaged more than 5,000 structures and killed at least eight people.
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L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday morning that there were two specific drone incidents that have resulted in three arrests.
On Monday, the FBI also announced they were looking for information on the drone pilot. If anyone has any information, they can contact federal investigators here.
Federal investigators say they have recovered parts of the drone.
Why you shouldn’t fly a drone during a firefight
Flying a drone during a firefight is a federal offense and can land you in prison for up to a year. Violators could also be hit with a $75,000 fine if they interfere with firefighting efforts or law enforcement responses, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses,” the agency said in a statement. “The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the [temporary flight restriction areas].”
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According to the U.S. Forest Service, since firefighting planes fly low — just like drones — it increases the chances of mid-air collision or could distract a pilot. Collisions can lead to breaks in communication links and cause serious injuries to first responders and civilians, in addition to hindering firefighting efforts.
"The most important thing to know is that if you fly a drone at one of these brush fires, all aerial operations will be shut down," said L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. "And we certainly don't want to have that happen."
Also on Thursday, NPR member station KCLU reported that the Channel Islands Air National Guard Station at Port Hueneme will send two of its C-130 transports to the region for water and firefighting chemical drops. Officials say six more planes from other bases are also coming to Ventura County to aid in the firefighting effort.
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