NEWS RELEASE: Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan Published April 21, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aircraft System crashed in eastern Afghanistan today in the early morning hours. The crash was not due to hostile fire. 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 incident. For more information, contact U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs at 011-974-458-9855 and connect to 436-4381/4014 or e-mail mu_afforpa@auab.centaf.af.mil.