Release Number: 020414
4/2/2014 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- A
failed power converter in an MQ-1B Predator's onboard control module
led to the crash of the aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 17,
2013, according to an Air Combat Command Abbreviated Accident
Investigation Board report released today.
The remotely piloted aircraft was deployed from the 432d Wing at Creech
Air Force Base, Nev. When the accident occurred, the aircraft was
returning from a 20- hour intelligence, surveillance and reconnaisance
operational mission in support of U.S. Africa Command. The aircraft and
one communication pod were lost on impact, with a loss valued at
approximately $5.3 million. There were no injuries or damage to other
government or private property.
According to the report, the crew noticed a loss in communications with
the aircraft prior to handing control over to the Launch and Recovery
Element. The crew completed appropriate checklists, and notified the GCS
that they could not establish communications with the aircraft.
Two seconds prior to the loss of satellite link with the aircraft, the
GCS logged electrical, flight control and engine warning indications.
The board president found that these indicators were a direct result of a
power converter malfunction in the aircraft's control module, which
forced the RPA to lose control in the air and begin a rapid spiral
descent into the Mediterranean Sea.
The board president found by clear and convincing evidence, that the
mishap was caused by failure of the power converter in the control
module, which led to loss of control of stabilizers and engine power
output. For more information, contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs
at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@us.af.mil.
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