A high-profile drone crash has left one of the gaming industry’s key figures facing legal trouble. Treyarch co-founder Peter Akemann, most recently serving as president of Skydance Interactive, has pleaded guilty to illegally operating a drone that collided with a firefighting plane battling the Los Angeles wildfires.
Drone Mishap Disrupts Critical Firefighting Efforts
The collision occurred on January 9 when Akemann launched a drone from the top floor of a Santa Monica parking garage. His goal? To get a closer look at the Palisades Fire raging in Southern California. But things quickly spiraled out of control.
The drone, which Akemann lost track of about 1.5 miles from its launch point, struck the left wing of a Super Scooper aircraft—a crucial piece of firefighting equipment capable of carrying over 1,000 gallons of water. The impact grounded the plane for several days, delaying efforts to contain the wildfire.
At the time, strict federal flight restrictions prohibited drones from operating in the wildfire zone. Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, ultimately tracing the drone back to Akemann.
Legal Consequences and a Costly Lesson
Akemann has agreed to plead guilty to unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft—a misdemeanor offense that carries a potential one-year prison sentence. However, he is aiming to avoid jail time by offering 150 hours of community service in wildfire relief efforts and covering the estimated $65,000 cost of repairing the damaged plane.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally didn’t mince words about the severity of the incident.
“This defendant recklessly flew an aircraft into airspace where first responders were risking their lives,” McNally said. “This damage caused to the Super Scooper is a stark reminder that flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about drone interference during emergency situations. Authorities remain adamant that violators will be held accountable.
Defense Points to Technical Failures
Akemann’s legal team has acknowledged his responsibility, stating that he is “deeply sorry” and fully cooperating with authorities. However, they argue there are mitigating factors that will emerge in court.
One key argument? They claim Akemann’s DJI drone may have experienced a failure in its geo-fencing safeguards—a feature designed to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace. If proven, it could raise broader questions about the reliability of drone safety mechanisms.
Despite this defense, Akemann’s actions have already drawn significant backlash. While his attorneys attempt to mitigate consequences, his professional reputation has taken a hit.
A Career in Gaming, Now Under Scrutiny
Akemann has long been a prominent figure in the gaming industry. He co-founded Treyarch in 1996, a studio that would go on to develop some of the biggest titles in the Call of Duty franchise. In 2016, he took on the role of president at Skydance Interactive, a studio known for its work in virtual reality and cinematic gaming experiences.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Akemann has “recently left his role” at Skydance, though it remains unclear whether the drone incident played a role in his departure.
The case serves as a stark warning to drone operators, especially in high-risk areas. While Akemann may avoid prison, the fallout from this reckless mistake will likely follow him for years to come.