US MQ-1 Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan

2/9/2010 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) – An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed on takeoff in eastern Afghanistan Feb. 9 at approximately 1:50 a.m. local time.

The crash was not due to hostile fire. The crash site has been secured and there were no reports of injuries or property damage.

The aircraft is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1’s primary mission is conducting armed reconnaissance.

A board will be convened to investigate the incident.
Source and picture: USAF