What happened
On 11 February 2024, an MQ-9A Reaper, tail number 13-4231, crashed just beyond the runway departure end at an undisclosed location within the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The aircraft, assigned to the 432d Wing, was being operated by a crew from the 12th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron.
The mishap occurred during an automated takeoff using the Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC). While the ATLC successfully commanded engine power to 100%, the pilot did not complete the required checklist step to manually set the throttle to 100%. Consequently, the throttle remained at 0%. As the aircraft climbed, the pilot transitioned from automated to manual control by turning off the ATLC. Because the manual throttle was still set to 0%, the engine power dropped to flight idle. The aircraft began a rapid descent and struck the ground 23 seconds after the transition. Although the pilot attempted to increase the throttle to 100% one second before impact, the engine could not respond in time to prevent the crash.
The accident resulted in no fatalities and no injuries, though the aircraft was destroyed, resulting in a loss of government property valued at over $25 million.
The investigation
The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) examined the sequence of events, crew performance, and technical systems. The board reviewed cockpit communications, simulator re-creations, and maintenance records to determine why the aircraft failed to maintain altitude during the transition from automated flight to manual control.