Release Number: 021014
10/28/2014 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- An
MQ-1B Predator impacted the runway because of low-level wind shear and
incorrect pilot recovery techniques during a practice landing at Creech
Air Force Base, Nev., on April 4, 2014, according to an Air Combat
Command abbreviated accident investigation board report released today.
The aircraft and its aircrew were assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance
Squadron at Creech AFB, Nev. when the accident occurred. The aircraft
was significantly damaged by the impact with a repair cost estimate of
$4.5 million. There were no injuries or damage to private property. The
aircrew was conducting a routine launch and recovery training mission at
the time of the mishap.
The board president found by clear and convincing evidence that the
cause of the mishap was low-level wind shear during a critical phase of
landing, and the pilot's lack of training in landing operations for the
MQ-1B. Specifically, after the aircraft experienced loss of lift due to
low-level wind shear, it bounced on the runway and the mishap pilot used
the wrong recovery technique for an MQ-1B. The pilot's incorrect
control inputs caused the aircraft to continue bouncing on the runway
until its landing gear were destroyed.
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