Drone collides AND grounds a firefighting Super Scooper in LA...

[tstr14]

News this morning said the FBI stated they are closing in on the pilot. Wouldn't want to be in his shoes!

 

[Photo Booth]

The FBI's tip web page for this incident.

https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/8cdb84eb74a2831

Mark

 

[Bad Santa]

The FBI's tip web page for this incident.

https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/8cdb84eb74a2831

Mark

To see what's on that page, you have to tell them who you are.
I'll pass

 

[Cafguy]

They have the Battery Numbers. Its just a matter of time now really.

 

[mavic3usa]

To see what's on that page, you have to tell them who you are.
I'll pass

when you clicked on that link, they already knew who you are

 

[AMann]

They have the Battery Numbers. Its just a matter of time now really.

Maybe not- Battery Serial Number duplicated

But they should look for someone who made a previously really dumb decision to be trying to sell a Mini Pro 3 controller without a drone or asking DJI for a fly more drone replacement!

 

[Photo Booth]

Maybe not- Battery Serial Number duplicated

What was possible in 2021 may not be possible today. We'll see.

If the FBI does have the battery and can read the serial number (not destroyed or altered), the pilot will surely be in custody soon. Of course, depending on the level of cooperation from DJI. I suspect the FBI already has a court order compelling DJI to release the information.

Lots of "ifs" but I, for one, will be pleased when this drone pilot is arrested and charged.

BTW, what are the odds that the pilot is reading these messages? Seems reasonably likely to me.

Mark

 

[AMann]

BTW, what are the odds that the pilot is reading these messages? Seems reasonably likely to me.

Someone who is now hiding in their parent’s basement. They should talk to a lawyer and turn themselves in, the prosecutor may be willing to offer a plea deal if they do.

It will be interesting to see where this goes with FAA in the near future. I’m not really worried about how it will personally affect me as I only fly over public land and other open spaces, but for many in cities it will certainly be a possibility that they won’t be able to legally fly there anymore. It may also affect registration and RID rules for all drones capable of flying outdoors, regardless of size.

Edit: Also, we may have to also report battery serial numbers or have our registration numbers also stuck on them- that’s something I did anyway.

 

[moldorf]

Someone who is now hiding in their parent’s basement. They should talk to a lawyer and turn themselves in, the prosecutor may be willing to offer a plea deal if they do.

It will be interesting to see where this goes with FAA in the near future. I’m not really worried about how it will personally affect me as I only fly over public land and other open spaces, but for many in cities it will certainly be a possibility that they won’t be able to legally fly there anymore. It may also affect registration and RID rules for all drones capable of flying outdoors, regardless of size.

Edit: Also, we may have to also report battery serial numbers or have our registration numbers also stuck on them- that’s something I did anyway.

if the pilot is aware of the situation, and it's hard to believe he isn't, the best thing he can do now is turn himself in

 

[moldorf]

I'm kind of amazed by how many people are not understanding the physics of mass-velocity-force. Not only the lack of understanding but the seeming refusals to accept simple physics if it conflicts with their opinions

if this damage was caused by a 250 gram drone flying at 25-35 mph, imagine the damage a 895 gram Mavic 3 flying at 45 mph could do

 

[Cafguy]

DEFINITELY. The pilot should ease any punishment by fessing up and turning Himself in. He is facing some pretty serious Federal charges and in some cases Multiple counts!

 

[AMann]

I'm kind of amazed by how many people are not understanding the physics of mass-velocity-force. Not only the lack of understanding but the seeming refusals to accept simple physics if it conflicts with their opinions

if this damage was caused by a 250 gram drone flying at 25-35 mph, imagine the damage a 895 gram Mavic 3 flying at 45 mph could do

The speed of the little drone is pretty irrelevant, for all we know it could’ve been hovering taking pictures and that would’ve resulted in the same damage. Don’t forget to add the airspeed of the plane to the equation.

 

[The Fat Controller]

if the pilot is aware of the situation, and it's hard to believe he isn't, the best thing he can do now is turn himself in

Exactly what I was thinking. If he had any sort of moral backbone he'd turn himself in and take his due punishment, if not, and he continues to hide until they eventually catch him they'll throw the book at him, which is no less than he deserves.

 

[ryguy80]

I'm kind of amazed by how many people are not understanding the physics of mass-velocity-force. Not only the lack of understanding but the seeming refusals to accept simple physics if it conflicts with their opinions

if this damage was caused by a 250 gram drone flying at 25-35 mph, imagine the damage a 895 gram Mavic 3 flying at 45 mph could do

It’s amazing what even low speeds can do to vehicles. Uncle in law backed a car into a tree that he didn’t see and put a nice hole in the plastic bumper that had to be replaced entirely.

 

[jaja6009]

This article seems to state that people keep flying their drones, even after the collision.

Los Angeles wildfires: California police arrest multiple drone pilots as firefighters battle infernos

Los Angeles police arrested three people following drone incidents in wildfire areas as first responders battle infernos raging in Southern California.

www.yahoo.com

If these arrests came after the collision, you would think that the "RPIC's" would come to their senses and fully understand that they could kill the pilots, people on the ground and impede operations that endanger those suffering from this tradgedy.

I truly wish prison time on these clowns.

 

[MARK (LI)]

The FBI's tip web page for this incident.

https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/8cdb84eb74a2831

Mark

I think that the guys clicking on this are expecting to see what tips the FBI has....the link is for the public to leave any tips that you may have

 

[Dbez1]

This used to be Pacific Palisades. This is a Pic of a very small area. IT is NOT a Drone pic! Its nothing but the same view,.. same thing for miles and miles until you reach the ocean. Altadena is the same. Nothing but charred out homes and businesses.
They say the Winds will Die down.....For a few Days then, Well its starts over. Bless the Firefighters!
View attachment 180487

It’s amazing how a few homes appear untouched while surrounded by so much devastation. Glad you’re ok Cafguy.

 

[Bad Santa]

It’s amazing what even low speeds can do to vehicles. Uncle in law backed a car into a tree that he didn’t see and put a nice hole in the plastic bumper that had to be replaced entirely.

It's simple physics.
A 4000lb car at 5mph has more energy than a drone at 200mph
The area of impact is smaller on a drone, though.
If a 4000lb car, going 5mph, backed into the same spot on that airplane, the damage would have been much worse.

 

[Cafguy]

It’s amazing how a few homes appear untouched while surrounded by so much devastation. Glad you’re ok Cafguy.

I am about 100 miles or so from any fire thank Goodness.
Our nieghbor has relatives from Altadena staying there now. Bakersfield has had some pretty calm winds . Crazy things going on here too tho such as Not a room to be had in town and I think most of our police and Fire Dept. is on the other side of the mountains in L.A.
Forecast Today Hurricane force winds (70mph) in the L.A. Area.