US Customs searches for answers after mysterious loss of Predator B

Published: May 02, 2006
Source: www.flightglobal.com



The exact cause of last week's Predator B crash in Arizona is still unknown. US Customs, which operates the Predator B to patrol the US-Mexico border, is trying to determine why the unmanned drone crashed almost immediately after losing its communications link.

The vehicle was supposed to fly autonomously to a safe area closer to it's base, and crash at a predetermined area if communications weren't re-established after 30 minutes.

The wreckage, however, was found close to where communications were lost.

All all other UAV missions in the area have been grounded, and Aero-News reports TFR were canceled after calls by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

"AOPA is pleased that the FAA has finally canceled the TFR, considering the fact that there are no operations being conducted in it at this time," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "AOPA has been opposed to using flight restrictions to control UAV operations, and it's a shame that it took an accident to illustrate why TFRs are a bad idea."

"In fact, this accident illustrates why UAV operations should not be conducted until these unmanned aircraft are certified to the same level of safety as manned aircraft. Just think that if a pilot had been flying legally under the TFR and the UAV hit the aircraft from behind and above — the pilot would have had no chance to see and avoid the uncontrolled UAV."continue..