The MQ-1 Predator that crashed in Southwest Asia on March 27 was brought down by an engine fire, so determined an Air Combat Command crash investigation team. ACC released the investigation results Friday. There apparently was a fuel leak in the left forward part of the engine that was ignited “most likely” by the turbocharger, alternator, or cylinder head.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
