MQ-1L Predator accident report released

  • Published
Pilot error caused the Nov. 24, 2004 crash of an MQ-1L Predator unmanned aerial vehicle in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility according to an aircraft investigation board report released by Air Force officials today.

During a functional check-flight the Predator had a navigation system malfunction, resulting in the pilot deciding to immediately land the aircraft. During the landing sequence, the pilot failed to disengage the airspeed hold, as dictated by the landing checklist, resulting in the aircraft not being properly configured to land. The Predator, assigned to the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., impacted the ground short of the runway and was destroyed on impact. No one was injured in the incident.

The investigation determined the navigation system malfunction, while a distraction, did not preclude the aircraft being landed safely.

For more information, please contact the Air Combat Command Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.