A British Army Watchkeeper has crashed near Aberporth, taking the number of crashes involving the unmanned aircraft to five. Launched from West Wales Airport at Aberporth, it crashed in a lane close to the airstrip at around 5 pm on Thursday afternoon.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene near Cyttir Mawr farmhouse after the pilotless plane – also known as a UAV – apparently came down in some trees.
No-one was injured but a Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said one crew used foam to clean up the resulting fuel spill.
The incident came on the very day Ceredigion planners were asked to approve plans for a major facelift at the airport which has been used by military and civil aviators since opening in 2002.
Its unmanned aircraft centre is the only type of facility of its kind in Europe and the Ministry of Defence use it to test their Watchkeeper drone.
All enquiries to the airport were being directed to the MoD press office this morning.
“We are aware of an incident involving a Watchkeeper aircraft which did not result in any injuries,” said a spokesperson.
“The aircraft has been secured and there is no risk to the public. An investigation is underway.”
Jill Gough, of CND Cymru, said:
“By my reckoning this is the fourth drone they’ve lost – and these UAVs cost £6m apiece – it’s an absolute scandal, really.
“I suppose we should consider ourselves fortunate it didn’t come down on someone’s home or on a school – Penparc School is not far away from where this crash happened.
“I find the fact another £6m has gone down the drain completely outrageous.
“If these things are supposedly so safe as we’re always being told then why can’t they be tested around Westminster?”
Source: Cambrian News