Engine Failure Led to Latest US Predator Crash

An engine turbocharger failure led to the latest crash of an Air Force MQ-1B Predator drone this May, the service announced Monday.

Air Combat Command's abbreviated accident investigation board report, released Monday, blamed the incident on a seized turbocharger. This reduced engine performance, which prevented the aircraft from gaining altitude and clearing the terrain along the aircraft's flight path.

The board found the turbocharger seized due to a malfunctioning turbocharger lubrication system.

The aircraft was assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron, 432nd Wing at Creech.

This is at least the third Predator crash this year. In March, a Predator crashed while flying over northwest Syria. Another aircraft went down in June during a combat mission over Iraq.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper drone also crashed over international waters in February due to a generator problem and electrical failure.

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