An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 29th Attack Squadron crashed on final approach at Holloman AFB, N.M., last week, according to base officials. The remotely piloted aircraft, operated by one of Air Combat Command’s RPA flying training units, had just completed a local training mission when the incident occurred on Oct. 7. There were no injuries or damage to private property, according to a base release. A board will convene to investigate the cause of the accident. This is one of several RPA mishaps at Holloman since its schoolhouse began operations in September 2009.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.