Drone Crashes in Southern Afghanistan

KABUL - The U.S. Air Force says a remote-piloted drone crashed on takeoff in southern Afghanistan on Monday.

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command said the aircraft - an MQ-1 Predator - was not shot down by hostile fire. An air force statement released Tuesday said there were no reports of injuries or property damage. An investigation into the crash is under way.

The Air Force says the primary mission of the aircraft is to conduct armed reconnaissance. No other details were provided.