An Air Combat Command accident investigation board (AIB) has determined that pilot error led to the Nov. 2, 2008, crash of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle in Afghanistan. According to the AIB, the pilot took an aggressive turn to avoid entering a no-fly zone, causing the UAV to spin out of control and crash. Contributing to the accident were these factors: the UAV had a Hellfire missile on its left wing, causing extra weight on the left; there was a significant crosswind; the autopilot did not limit the turn to 40 degrees of bank; and it is easy to over-control the Predator. (ACC April 2, 2009, release)
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
