, LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE: Pilot error caused an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle to crash during a training mission at Creech AFB, Nev., Aug. 3, 2006, according to an aircraft accident investigation report released Jan. 26 here.
There were no injuries or fatalities from the accident, and damage to the aircraft totaled $1,436,765.
Other than damage to the aircraft, there was no other government property loss.
The Predator was assigned to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech AFB.
The accident investigation board determined that the pilot, a civilian contractor, inadvertently depressed an incorrect switch while attempting to retract the aircraft's landing gear. By pressing the incorrect switch, the pilot shut off the aircraft's engine while the aircraft was approximately 500 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to glide the aircraft back to the runway, but the aircraft crashed slightly off the runway.
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