Crashed Air Force Drone Found Near Fort Morgan

Alabama Crash The Air Force says the drone was probably shot down by pilots during training. It was found by two men on Spring Break.

by WKRG Staff

Published: Wed, April 09, 2008 - 4:25 pm CST

7:00 p.m.
More information is being learned about the Air Force equipment found on a beach near Fort Morgan. According to Captain Carrie Kessler, at Eglin Air Force Base, the drone is an aerial target that is shot down as part of a weapons system evaluation program. It poses no danger to the public. They usually try and recover the drones right away but in this case, sometimes it just isn’t possible. Military officials are on their way to retrieve the drone at this time. It is not known when the target was shot down and that may not be able to be determined even after the target is recovered.

6:15 p.m.
- Based on the description News 5 gave to the Air Force, a spokesperson for Tyndall Air Force Base says she believes the drone is something pilots use for target practice during training missions.
- The Air Force tries to recover the drones right away. But that apparently did not happen in this case.
- The drone was found by two men on Spring Break who were swimming in the Gulf. They told News 5's Pat Peterson that if the Air Force doesn't show up to get it, they'll sell the drone on eBay.
- Click play to watch Pat Peterson's live report.

5:50 p.m.
- News 5 will have a live report coming up at 6:00

5:35 p.m.
News 5's .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is at the crash site. He says the orange drone appears to be about 12 feet long. It also has Air Force markings on it.

5:25 p.m.
The Coast Guard tells News 5 an unmanned Air Force drone has crashed off the coast of Fort Morgan.
The Fort Morgan Fire Department says the drone went down in the water near The Beach Club. The Air Force has a crew on the way to the crash site and so does News 5. We'll bring you more information as soon as we get it.

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