ANOTHER US MILITARY aircraft used in surveillance has crashed, this time in the Seychelles off the east African coast.
The US Embassy in Mauritius has confirmed that the drone crashed at an airport during a routine patrol, but said it was unarmed and caused no injuries when it hit the ground.
It said the cause of the crash is being investigated.
Lina Laurence of Seychelles’ civilian aviation authority said that the Reaper drone was suffering engine difficulties before it attempted to land yesterday, but that due to its speed, it was unable to fully stop before reaching the end of the runway.
The airport closed briefly following the crash, but has since reopened.
The drone is understood to have been involved in an anti-piracy surveillance mission.
Yesterday’s drone crash is the second time the US has lost one of its surveillance drones in recent weeks. Iran claims it was able to successfully land a Sentinel drone electronically and has been airing footage of the captured craft on national television.
The US denies that it could have been brought down as Iran claims and says it believes the drone malfunctioned.
US President Barack Obama has called on Iran authorities to return the craft, while Iran has lodged an official complaint with the UN Security Council over the use of the drone.
It is not clear what information Iran could glean from the downed craft, but it was carrying a powerful radar and surveillance equipment.
- Additional reporting by the AP
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