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 U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
