Another MQ-8 crash at Point Mugu

A MQ-8C Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) crashed at NAS Point Mugu (CA) on 10 November 2020. The Fire Scout crash is the second unmanned helicopter operated by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 to crash in recent months (see Scramble News 17 August 2020).

HSC-23 Wildcards ('WC-xxx') is one of two helo squadrons operating the latest version of the Fire Scout, which is based on the Bell 407. The squadron is operating out of NAS Point Mugu (CA) and the unfortunate MQ-8C came down alongside the base runway when it had reached its “recovery perch,” a hovering position for such an aircraft as it approaches a landing area.

No one was injured, but the Naval Safety Center has classified the incident as a so-called “Class A” mishap, which involves property damage of at least USD 2,5 million.

Photo by US Navy