MQ-1B Predator accident report released

Published Sept. 2, 2009
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- A disconnected vacuum line caused the crash of an MQ-1B Predator west of Creech Air Force Base, Nev., April 28, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Sept. 2.

The Predator was assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, 432nd Wing at Creech.

There were no injuries or damage to other property or equipment.

The aircraft executed a hard landing in the rough terrain surrounding the airfield causing most of the damage. The cost to repair the aircraft is $543,178.

According to the report, the cause of the mishap was the failure of the vacuum line that became disconnected at a "T" fitting.

The vacuum line controls the flow of air that mixes with fuel to power the aircraft. The loss of this line stalled the aircraft due to excess air in the fuel upon takeoff and resulted in the crash.

For more information, call Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.