Accident Summary
During the afternoon of 28 September 2022, an MQ-9A Reaper (tail number 16-4332) impacted Runway 08 at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. After impact, the aircraft's right main landing gear failed, causing it to enter a decelerating spin. The aircraft came to a stop on the side of the runway near a taxiway intersection, subsequently caught fire, and was destroyed. The mishap aircraft (MA) was operated by a Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) consisting of a mishap pilot, mishap instructor pilot, mishap sensor operator, and mishap instructor sensor operator.
Investigation
The Air Combat Command (ACC) Deputy Commander appointed an Abbreviated Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) on 2 February 2023 to investigate the accident. The board was led by Colonel Paul E. Sheets and included a Legal Advisor (Lieutenant Colonel), a Pilot Member (Captain), a Maintenance Member (Senior Master Sergeant), a Recorder (Senior Airman), and a Maintenance Subject Matter Expert (Master Sergeant). The investigation was conducted remotely from 27 February to 28 March 2023 under the authority of Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-307, Chapter 12.
Background
The MQ-9A Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft used by the United States Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack missions. The mishap aircraft was assigned to the 489th Attack Squadron, part of the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base. The wing is under ACC.
Investigation Scope
The AAIB reviewed maintenance documentation, inspections, maintenance procedures, and personnel qualifications. Weather conditions, including forecast and observed weather, were considered. Human factors were analyzed to identify any contributing elements. The board also examined the aircraft's systems, structures, and the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Probable Cause
The official statement of opinion from the investigation includes identified causes and substantially contributing factors, but the specific text is not provided in the available source. Therefore, a probable cause is not stated here.