Officials release Predator accident report

  • Published
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) --  Crew error caused an MQ-1L Predator unmanned aerial vehicle to crash during a training mission June 14 at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, Nev., according to an Air Force report released Sept. 30.

The instructor pilot allowed the student pilot to continue too far into a landing approach characterized by high-sink rates, poor airspeed and aim-point control, and poor runway alignment. The crew attempted to abort the landing too late, causing the rear stabilizers, known as tail planes, to hit the ground. The aircraft crashed immediately. Damage was valued at $4.2 million.

There were no injuries, fatalities or damage to other property or equipment. The Predator belonged to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service)