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Mon, Mar 17, 2003

Air Force Releases Predator Accident Report

USAF investigators have determined that "pilot" error caused an Air Force RQ-1 Predator aircraft to crash nine miles west of Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, Nev., Oct. 25.

The Predator, an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, was destroyed on impact. The loss is estimated at $3.3 million. No one was injured. The aircraft was assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

According to the Air Combat Command accident investigation report released March 12, the primary cause of the accident was the ground crew's inattention to the aircraft's altitude.

While trying to enter the Indian Springs flight pattern, the aircraft was flown over mountainous terrain, obstructing the datalink and causing the ground crew to lose electronic contact with the aircraft. Following failed attempts to regain the link, the pilot executed emergency procedures designed to safeguard the aircraft; however, the aircraft crashed into a mountain 16 seconds later.

FMI: www.af.mil

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