Memory loss causes UAV crash
An unmanned aerial vehicle crashed when the operator inadvertently cut off communications
The crash of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Sept. 14 occurred when the operator inadvertently cut off communications with the system, investigators said.
The RQ-1A Predator crashed near Indian Springs Auxiliary Field, Nev., when the operator, who was flying the aircraft from a ground-control station, accidentally cleared the primary control module's RAM, causing the Predator to lose its data link connection with the ground control station.
The crew attempted to re-establish the link with the aircraft, but the Predator stalled shortly after the data link was lost, crashing several minutes later.
The $25 million Predator is used for surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition. It is armed with a TV camera, an infrared camera and radar. The cameras produce full-motion video, and the radar produces still-frame images. The vehicle takes four crew members to operate.
The crash resulted in no injuries and no serious damage.
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