Predator crash report released

Attrition Report

A US Air Force MQ-1B Predator from the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, Detachment 1, takes off from Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on February 4, 2016.
US Air Force/TSgt Robert Cloys

A US Air Force Abbreviated Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) report released by Air Combat Command on November 20 has revealed details of the previously unreported loss of an MQ-1B Predator in the US Central Command area of responsibility on November 8, 2015. The MQ-1B (98-3040) was assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, 432nd Wing, and was forward deployed to an unspecified location from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.

The aircraft was on a combat support mission. At approximately 1638 Zulu (GMT) time, the deployed launch and recovery element (LRE) took control of the MQ-1 from the mission control element. The aircraft was returning to its base early due to an outside air temperature sensor failure. Over the next 15 minutes, the LRE commanded a descent for landing and started working through the appropriate checklist procedures.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below