A disconnected vacuum line caused the engine of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle to stall during the aircraft’s April 28 flight from Creech AFB, Nev., ultimately leading to the aircraft making a hard landing in rough terrain west of the base, sustaining significant damage, Air Combat Command said Wednesday. ACC’s accident investigation board report said the cost to repair the Predator, assigned to Creech’s 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, is $543,178. The vacuum line controls the flow of air that mixes with fuel to power the aircraft. There were no injuries or damage to other property or equipment, said ACC. (AIB report) (ACC release)
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3