An unmanned QF-4 drone from Holloman Air Force Base crashed in the park on the morning of Friday, February 7th. No one was injured. QF-4 drones are converted F-4 Phantom fighter jets.
Dunes Drive was closed while staff from the base and from White Sands Missile Range conducted an investigation at the crash site. Access to the sand dunes, picnic areas and hiking trails was restricted until the investigation and cleanup could be concluded.
The park routinely supports missile tests conducted by White Sands Missile Range. It is common practice to close Dunes Drive as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during missile tests when flight paths include airspace over the monument. The closure of Dunes Drive before last Friday’s missile test ensured that no injuries resulted from this accident.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/10/2014 01:31PM by eeek.