Predator accident report released Published July 6, 2005 LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) -- The total loss of all control of an MQ-1L Predator remotely piloted aircraft caused it to run out of fuel and crash Jan. 14 at a forward location in Southwest Asia, according to an Accident Investigation Board report released by Air Combat Command today.The $3.5 million Predator, which belonged to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., was destroyed upon impact. There were no injuries, fatalities or damages to other property or equipment. The incident occurred when the pilot and sensor operators control stations experienced a malfunction with their computer control system. Both control stations were rebooted, but all communication links with the aircraft were lost and never regained. The incident happened approximately eight and a half hours into the mission, with the aircraft flying uncontrolled and crashing approximately 21 hours into the flight. According to the investigation, the primary factors leading to the loss of control of the aircraft and the crash included the aircrew following incorrect procedures during computer control system reboot and hardware failure.For more information, please contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.