A U.S. Air Force unit based in South Korea said Tuesday it is currently investigating the cause of the recent crash of its MQ-9 Reaper drone off the country's west coast.
On Monday, the U.S. Air Force drone stationed at Kunsan Air Base crashed near Maldo-ri Island off the western city of Gunsan, about 180 kilometers south of Seoul, although no injuries or damage were reported.
"The incident is still under investigation," the 8th Fighter Wing said in response to Yonhap News Agency's inquiry about the cause of the accident. "In the meantime, we can confirm ... when an incident happens, we immediately conduct thorough investigations, implement corrective actions, and ensure accountability at every level."
The fighter unit also said that in coordination with South Korea's Navy and Coast Guard, it is currently "focused on planning and preparing for a safe and thorough recovery operation."
Despite Monday's crash, flight operations of other MQ-9 Reapers remain on track, the 8th Fighter Wing said, adding that operations will continue with "heightened awareness and commitment to safety, ensuring that any potential issues are proactively addressed."
