Navy Puts Drone Program On Hold After Accident

The Navy has temporarily suspended its drone program after an accident last Sunday at Point Mugu involving a drone left two sailors injured. 

The Navy is suspending all exercises and activities involving two types of remotely controlled target drones while they investigate the accident, reported the Ventura County Star.

An official at the Naval Air Warfare Division who specializes in the drone program told the Star he did not know how long the suspension would last but said investigators will examine all possible causes. 

The number of drones that affected by this suspension is still unknown. However, the drone that malfunctioned during the exercise has been identified as a BQM-74E, made by Northrop Grumman Corp. The Navy will also suspend the use of the BQM-34S drone, which uses the same control system.

The accident on Sunday left two sailors injured with only minor burns after the drone crashed into the guided missile cruiser, the USS Chancellorsville. 

Damage to the ship is still being assessed by officials. However, it was able to sail back to its home port in San Diego with its own power.