A power converter failure doomed an MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Sept. 17, 2013, after a mission supporting US Africa Command, according to an April 2 release. Flight controllers were preparing to hand the RPA off to the launch and recovery controllers after a 20-hour surveillance mission when they lost communication with the Predator, states Air Combat Command’s investigation executive summary. Two seconds before losing contact, the RPA transmitted engine, electrical, and flight control warnings which the abbreviated accident investigation board determined “were a direct result of a power converter malfunction in the aircraft’s control module.” The Predator spiraled out of control and impacted the sea, resulting in the loss of the aircraft and a communications pod valued at approximately $5.3 million. The RPA was deployed from Creech AFB, Nev.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.