A Canadian aircraft was struck by a drone while fighting fires in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, California.

The Canadair CL-415 aircraft, owned by the Government of the Province of Quebec, Canada, was loaned to CALFIRE along with another aircraft of the same model. CALFIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, deployed these aircraft throughout the firefighting operations.

During a flight, one of the CL-415's, nicknamed Super Scooper for its ability to collect large amounts of water during low passes over lakes, reservoirs, or even oceans, was reportedly struck by a drone operated by an unidentified individual, according to Aeroin.

The drone hit the aircraft's left wing, leaving a hole the size of a soccer ball, as reported by a journalist from ABC 7 Los Angeles. According to the California broadcaster, the FBI is investigating the case as a crime of damaging an aircraft in flight. This offense could result in a $75,000 fine and up to one year in prison.

Following the incident, all flights were suspended yesterday and resumed early today, but without one of the CL-415s. This aircraft had been collecting water from the ocean due to a shortage in the Los Angeles County water supply system.

The FAA, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, has imposed a restriction prohibiting the flight of any civil aircraft, including drones, in the mountain range surrounding Los Angeles County.