Drone crashes on runway at Holloman Air Force Base

By

The Associated Press

FILE – An MQ-9 Reaper from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, lands at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, July 8, 2021. This was the first time an MQ-9 arrived at HAFB from a different base using a new automated landing and takeoff system without an aircrew. (Airman 1st Class Jessica Sanchez/Air Force)

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — The Air Force says an unmanned aircraft has crashed on a runway during takeoff from Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico.

Officials with the 49th Wing say no injuries were reported in the Monday morning crash of an MQ-9 Reaper. Base access was not restricted.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Holloman Air Force Base is located west of Alamogordo next to the White Sands Missile Range. The MQ-9 Reaper drone is a remotely piloted aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as targeted missile strikes.