"Air Force Contractor Fatally Struck by Drone Propeller Due to Loss of Situational Awareness"

The Air Force revealed that a civilian contractor, Stephanie Cosme, lost "situational awareness" before she was fatally struck by the propeller of an unmanned aircraft at a Southern California airfield. The detailed investigation report cited incorrect training, lack of communication, rushed tests, and a loss of situational awareness as contributing factors to the accident. Cosme, a test engineer, was struck while performing ground testing on an MQ-9A Reaper drone, and resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful. The report also noted that the propeller was not visible from the rear of the aircraft where Cosme approached.