LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- An MQ-1B Predator was destroyed in a Oct. 17, 2015 crash after experiencing electronic systems failure and loss of control due to a lightning strike, according to an Air Combat Command Abbreviated Accident Investigation Board report released today.
The remotely-piloted aircraft was forward deployed from the 432nd Wing, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada and operated by a mission control element from the 20th Attack Squadron, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri at the time of the accident. When the mishap occurred, the aircraft was participating in a combat support mission in the United States Central Command area of responsibility.
According to the AAIB report, the effects of lightning induced high voltage throughout the wiring in the RPA’s wings, damaging the left and right wing control modules. With these components inoperative, the RPA was unable to maintain controlled flight and impacted the ground. Additionally, the Board President found the pilot’s misidentification of a developing adverse weather system substantially contributed to the mishap.
The aircraft was destroyed on impact, with a loss valued at approximately $5.2 million. There were no injuries or damage to other government or private property.
For more information, contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@ langley.af.mil.