An engine failure led to an MQ-1B Predator crash near Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014, according to an Air Combat Command abbreviated accident investigation board report released on Monday .
The aircraft was assigned to the 432nd Wing, Creech AFB, Nev., and was under the control of aircrew assigned to the 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, North Dakota Air National Guard, Fargo, N.D. At the time of the mishap, the aircraft was conducting an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. The aircraft was destroyed on impact at a loss valued at approximately $4.6 million. There were no injuries or damage to private property.
The board president found by clear and convincing evidence that the cause of the mishap was an engine failure that rendered the aircraft incapable of producing sufficient thrust to remain airborne. The specific root cause of the engine failure could not be determined since the no portion of the wreckage was recovered.
Source: US Air Force