Predator crashes northeast of Balad Published Feb. 23, 2009 JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft stationed here crashed off base at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time Feb. 22. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft used primarily to conduct armed reconnaissance. A board will convene to investigate the crash. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page