Although all of the footage published on this channel has never been published elsewhere prior, this footage is particularly notable, since as far as I am aware, no footage like it has ever been published. Anywhere.
The computer automated dispatch report provides a concise summary:
AIRCRAFT ON FIRE IN INFIELD.
PREDATOR ON GROUND.
NO SOULS ONBOARD.
On May 15, 2020 at 10:28 a.m. local time, a General Atomics MQ9 Reaper drone owned and operated by United States Customs and Border Protection crashed at Mathis Field Airport in San Angelo, Texas. No one was injured, and the drone was destroyed by impact forces and fire.
"TRK 1 and E8 responded to an Alert 3 from Mathis Tower for aircraft crash. En route noted an aircraft down and burning near midpoint of 18-36. E8 requested a full city response. TRK 1 informed E8 in route the aircraft was an unmanned Predator Drone. TRK 1 and E8 received clearance from Mathis Ground to proceed to the scene via Alpha, 9-27, and then to the east side of 18-36 just south of the intersection with 9-27. The drone was off the runway in the dirt. The drone was facing north with fire burning on the underside middle section.
TRK 1 and E8 positioned upwind on the south side of the drone. E8 assumed Command. TRK 1 knocked down the fire using water and foam. TRK 1 then re- positioned to either side of the drone to hit small spot fires and lay a foam blanket down to cover any spilled fuel from ignition sources. When TRK 1 completed the initial fire knock down and spot fire extinguishment E8 personnel gained access to the battery and engine control module toggle switches and turned off the control module and batteries. All responding SAFD units except B1 and R1 were canceled en route. B1 and R1 were requested to stage at Station 8 until it was determined no further assistance or equipment was needed.
The aircraft fire was knocked down and overhaul began. E8 Officer used the TRK 1 red line and a 1.75 inch hose line with a piercing nozzle to access hot spots near the engine and engine oil tank in order to cool them down. All access gained through damage caused by the crash and the burned-through access panels used by maintenance personnel. No forcible entry used by E8 or TRK 1 to gain access to hot spots for overhaul. B1 and R1 were released from the incident. E8 then transferred its tank water to TRK 1 to top off TRK 1.
E8 driver and hose man returned to Station 8 to fill up E8 with water. E8 driver then manned TRK 2 to monitor 3-21 and normal air traffic not associated with the drone incident that TRK 1 was assigned to. E8 was manned by the E8 hose man and returned to the incident scene to assist E8 officer and TRK 1. No further fire noted and the Fire Command was terminated. Command turned over to San Angelo Regional Airport Directors.
TRK 1 remained on scene for fire protection until the drone was loaded and moved to the Customs Building. TRK 2 remained in service until TRK 1 was released from incident and returned to service. TRK 2 returned to reserve status. E8 returned to service."
At this time there is no indication as to the cause of this accident.
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