An MQ-1B remotely piloted aircraft crashed at Creech AFB, Nev., last June because of the failure of a flight control module that fully deflected the RPA’s right aileron, according to Air Combat Command’s abbreviated investigation. “This un-commanded lowering of the aileron on only one wing caused the MQ-1B to begin a roll and turn,” stated ACC’s June 9 release, summarizing the accident investigation report. “This roll progressed until the MQ-1B’s steep angle of bank rendered it incapable of maintaining level flight. The aircraft subsequently lost satellite communication and continued to depart controlled flight until it impacted the ground,” states the release. The MQ-1 crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range on June 27, 2014, totally destroying the $4.6 million RPA on impact. The MQ-1 was assigned to the 432nd Wing and operated by controllers from the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron—both at Creech, according to officials. (AIB report; Caution, large-sized file.)
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?