A Canadian firefighting aircraft known as a 'Super Scooper' had to be grounded after colliding with a drone in restricted airspace while battling the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on Thursday, causing the specially designed CL-415 plane, Quebec 1, to sustain wing damage and remain out of service. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the collision.
The CL-415 planes are crucial in firefighting efforts as they have the capacity to scoop up over 1,500 gallons of ocean water to drop on active fires. The collision led to the temporary grounding of all aircraft responding to the Palisades Fire, impacting firefighting operations in the area.
Photos released by the Los Angeles Fire Department showed a hole in the front of one of the plane's wings, bearing the tail number C-GQBG. This aircraft is identified as a Canadair CL-415 and is part of an annual deployment of two such planes from Quebec to California under a longstanding agreement between the two governments.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated an investigation into the midair collision. The FAA emphasized that unauthorized drones in restricted airspace can pose serious risks to firefighting operations, potentially grounding air tankers, slowing down response times, and endangering lives.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the collaboration between nations in firefighting efforts, referring to the incident as an example of 'neighbors helping neighbors.' The FAA reiterated that swift enforcement action would be taken against individuals flying drones in restricted areas over wildfires.
Flight tracking data indicated the presence of various firefighting aircraft, including Cal Fire air tankers and helicopters, county fire department units, and government contractors operating over the wildfires in Los Angeles on Thursday. The investigation into the collision continues as authorities work to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations.
