Listed On ‘Most Wanted’ Page Seeking Info

The FBI is not kidding around with the pilot of the drone that was involved in a mid-air collision with a firefighting aircraft over Los Angeles on January 9, 2025. It has issued a ‘Seeking Information’ poster that is also on the ‘Most Wanted’ page of its website, and set up a digital media tipline seeking the help of the public in identifying the pilot of the drone.

The FBI is investigating the incident, in which an unauthorized drone flying in violation of a TFR established covering the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. TFRs are typically activated over wildfires for the express purpose of protecting the aircraft involved in aerial suppression of the fires.

Violating any TFR is a serious federal offense but the ones established over wildfires are intended to prevent exactly this type of midair collision. Violators are punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $75,000.

The poster includes a photo of what appear to be fragments of the drone involved in the incident as well as photos showing the damage sustained by the firefighting aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper.

The pilot was able to land the aircraft successfully and there were no injuries in the air or on the ground. However, it is so very important that people understand this was a very fortunate outcome but the result could have been much worse, potentially bringing the aircraft down if, for example, the drone had impacted a flight control surface or penetrated the windscreen and incapacitated the single pilot flying the aircraft.

FMI:  www.fbi.gov/