Report: Predator had a total loss of control

Thursday, July 7, 2005 | 10:57 a.m.

A remotely piloted aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed in Southwest Asia on Jan. 14 because of a total loss of control, according to a report released by Air Combat Command on Wednesday.

The MQ-1L Predator belonged to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force base and was destroyed on impact. There were no injuries, fatalities or damage done to other property or equipment. The remotely piloted aircraft cost $3.5 million to build originally and will cost about the same to replace, said Patrick Murphy, an Air Combat Command spokesman.

There are 57 Predators in use and most of them are at Nellis Air Force Base, Murphy said.

The loss of control happened when there was a computer malfunction. As a result all communication with the aircraft was lost. According to the investigation, the loss of control was due to aircrew following incorrect procedures during the computer system reboot.

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