The investigation into the June 22 crash of a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle flying a training mission at Creech AFB, Nev., indicated that the UAV suffered rapid loss of engine oil because of a loose oil filter. A statement from Air Combat Command said the accident board believes a technician improperly aligned the oil filter, but it also noted that the design of the filter itself contributed to the accident.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
