MQ-9A Reaper Crash During Takeoff in CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (14-4263)

Incident Overview On 13 June 2021, at approximately 2300 local time, an MQ-9A Reaper with tail number 14-4263 crashed during takeoff at an undisclosed location within the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The aircraft was assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and was being operated by the 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron Launch and Recovery Element crew. The loss of U.S. Government property was valued at approximately $18,000,000. No fatalities or injuries were reported. ## Sequence of Events During takeoff, the aircraft passed its 50-knot acceleration check, at which point the pilot experienced multiple link degradation visuals, video interference, and scrolling frames on the head-up display. The pilot was simultaneously correcting a known left turn bias, a common handling characteristic of the MQ-9 that requires right steering commands to maintain centerline. The aircraft's ground control station (S/N 07-6128) experienced a downlink failure when another ground control station (S/N 06-6113) crew applied power to a different MQ-9 (T/N 13-4604) in close proximity to the mishap aircraft's ground data terminal. The downlink is the signal the aircraft sends to the ground data terminal, which is a hardwired antenna attached to the ground control station responsible for sending and receiving signals to remotely piloted aircraft. ## Technical Factors The MQ-9A is equipped with lost link logic software designed to continue takeoff without pilot instruction once the aircraft reaches 50 knots and determines there is no uplink signal from the controlling ground control station. Acceleration data showed the aircraft reached 61–80 knots, and the lost link logic properly triggered, preparing the aircraft for takeoff. However, because the left turn bias went uncorrected after the downlink loss, the aircraft could not maintain centerline and veered left off the runway. It impacted a runway sign at 80–90 knots, caught fire, and was destroyed. ## Investigation Findings The Abbreviated Accident Investigation Board President found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the mishap was caused by the mishap crew (MC1) failing to follow checklist warnings and cautions. Specifically, MC1 failed to de-conflict the power-on process of T/N 13-4604 while in close proximity to the mishap aircraft's ground data terminal during the critical takeoff phase. This power-on caused the downlink loss for the mishap aircraft. Under 10 U.S.C. § 2254(d), the investigator's opinion as to the cause or contributing factors may not be considered as evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding arising from the accident, nor as an admission of liability by the United States or any person referred to in those conclusions.