Predator Mishap Explained

Feb. 5, 2009

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The failure of an ignition module in the engine of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle caused the aircraft to crash east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, 2008, Air Combat Command said Tuesday. According to the findings of ACC’s accident investigation board, the intermittent failure of the module caused loss of power, which subsequently resulted in loss of thrust. The pilot was unable to recover thrust control and the aircraft impacted the ground. The MQ-1, valued at $3.8 million, was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech AFB, Nev. There were no injuries or damage to other property. (Langley report)

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

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