What happened
On November 25, 2019, a General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), registration N341HK, was conducting a routine pilot and sensor operator training flight at Gray Butte airport in Palmdelse, California. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and an FAA Certificate of Authorization.
During the landing phase, the student pilot was flying the aircraft. The aircraft touched down at 79 knots indicated airspeed with a 5-degree left crab, which was consistent with a 7-knot crosswind component from the left. After touchdown, the aircraft began drifting to the left while the nose wheel remained off the ground. Over the following 15 seconds, the pilot applied increasing right rudder, but the aircraft continued its leftward drift. Although a go-around was attempted, the aircraft departed the runway before the engine could respond. The throttle had not been moved to ground idle or reverse at the time of the excursion. There were no injuries and no other damage reported.
At the time of the event, weather conditions were clear with winds from 260 degrees at 18 knots, with gusts up to 28 knots.