An oil leak led to an MQ-1 B Predator crash near Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, Apr. 26, 2014, according to an Air Combat Command abbreviated accident investigation board report just released.
The aircraft and its aircrew were assigned to the 214th Reconnaissance Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. At the time of the mishap, the aircraft was conducting an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. The aircraft was destroyed on impact with a loss valued at approximately $4.61 million. There were no injuries or damage to private property.
The board president found by clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was an engine oil leak. The rapid rate at which the oil leaked out ultimately caused the Predator’s engine to completely seize, resulting in the aircraft’s inability to maintain altitude or return to base. No portion of the wreckage was recovered.
Photo: A 147th Reconnaissance Wing MQ-1B Predator parked in front of the hangar at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston,Texas – U.S. Air Force File Photo
Source: US Air Force