What happened
On 25 June 2020, an unmanned MQ-9A, tail number 15-4/295, was conducting a takeoff from runway 33 at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The aircraft, operated by the 108th Attack Squadron’s Launch and Recovery Element of the 174th Attack Wing, lifted off at approximately 13:24Z. Roughly seven seconds after becoming airborne and reaching an altitude of about 150 feet AGL, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power.
The engine failure occurred when the pilot misidentified a control lever on the Ground Control Station (GCS) console. While attempting to adjust the flaps, the pilot instead pulled the Condition Lever backward, which closed the fuel shutoff valve and starved the engine of fuel. During the subsequent emergency procedures, the pilot further misidentified the controls by pulling the Flap Lever to a full aft position. Approximately 21 seconds after the initial power loss, the aircraft struck airport runway lights and impacted the ground, coming to rest about 600 feet from the end of the runway. There were no fatalities or injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained significant damage, resulting in a loss of government property valued at approximately $6,085,179.
The investigation
The Abbreviated Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) examined flight data logs, audio recordings, and witness testimony. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following takeoff and the physical interface of the GCS control console. Investigators analyzed the mechanical effects of moving the Condition Lever to the middle or aft positions and reviewed the pilot's actions during the execution of Critical Action Procedures (CAPs) following the engine failure warning.
Findings
- The primary cause of the mishap was the pilot misidentifying the Flap Lever and pulling the Condition Lever backward, which cut off the fuel supply to the engine.
- A substantial contributing factor was the design of the GCS Control Console throttle quadrant. Specifically, the proximity of the Condition Lever and the Flap Lever (within one inch) without sufficient markings, color differentiation, or a safety guard increased the risk of unintended activation.