Predator crashes in Iraq – 8th this yearBy Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 17, 2007 19:54:51 EST
A remote-controlled MQ-1 Predator crashed Monday in Iraq, Central Air Forces announced.
The propeller-drive plane hit the ground at about 1:30 p.m. near Al Muqdadiya, northeast of Baghdad in Diyala province.
Predators fly reconnaissance and attack missions. On Sunday and Friday, MQ-1 Predators above Diyala launched Hellfire missiles, striking insurgents in Baqubah.
The cause of Monday’s accident is under investigation. Often, commanders will deliberately crash one of the $3 million-plus aircraft if the Predator has mechanical problems that make it impossible for the small plane to reach a secure airfield.
The loss marked the eighth time a Predator crashed in the past 12 months.
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http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/airforce_predator_crash_071217w/uhc comment: Predator #6 crashed on November 29, 2007. At $4,500,000 a pop, this is getting expensive.