Military

Predator crashes in Iraq

4/9/2008 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator crashed northwest of Balad, Iraq, at approximately 7:10 p.m. local time April 9.

The aircraft was launched from Ali Base, Iraq.

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 accident. Mechanical failure is suspected.