Drone crash at Tyndall Air Force Base
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Posted by: Thomas Azar
Date: Jul 17 2013 6:16 PM
Published: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 09:53 AM.
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — A 30,000 pound QF-4 drone crashed at the end of a runway during take-off at Wednesday morning.
To compound the problem, Air Force officials, as of Wednesday afternoon, were searching for an explosive device or “charge” used to destroy drones if they veer off course or out of control during missions. Air Force officials also said the device has a battery inside that will run down, which usually takes about 24 hours.
The incident prompted Air Force officials to close U.S. 98. It is expected to remain closed until Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened as a second drone was already in the air. Tyndall AFB officials said they blew up the second drone with a missile over the Gulf, as planned.
On Wednesday morning, cars were lined up along U.S. 98 near the base.
“We’re in the middle of a crisis,” said Herman Bell chief of Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing public affairs, at about 9:25 a.m. Wednesday morning.
On U.S. 98, which goes through Tyndall AFB, cars were lined up for miles as Air Force security blocked off traffic.
At 12:30 p.m., Mission Support Commander William Grund held a press conference to explain the status regarding the closure of Highway 98.
Read More From The News Herald: http://www.newsherald.com/news/crime-public-safety/drone-crash-at-tyndall-u-s-98-to-be-closed-until-mid-day-thursday-1.173327?tc=cr
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