An aircraft assigned to the 432nd Wing experienced an incident on 23/9, with no related casualties. The site was secured and guarded until recovery and cleanup operations were completed 4 days later, the public affairs office of the US Air Force's 432nd Wing stated earlier this week.

The unit reported that investigators found signs of tampering at the incident site, including "one training bomb and unidentified aircraft debris" appearing at the scene after the event. "The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the matter. We have no further information at this time," the statement read.

The type of aircraft involved in the incident remains unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the crash.

Groom Lake Base or Area 51. Photo: Google Earth

Officials at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, confirmed no loss of life or property in the crash involving the 432nd Wing's aircraft. This unit primarily operates armed MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and is also believed to use RQ-170 Sentinel stealth aircraft.

According to US military news site War Zone, the crash site is located approximately 50 km east of Groom Lake Base, also known as Area 51.

"The location was identified by a no-fly zone imposed by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 23/9 to 1/10", stated Joseph Trevithick, an editor at War Zone, adding that the FAA cited "national security" as the reason for this decision.

The no-fly zone established by the FAA drew attention due to unusual circumstances and its proximity to Area 51, according to US experts.

Area 51 is where the US tested advanced aircraft for decades, including the U-2 reconnaissance plane, SR-71 Blackbird, and F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack jet. However, US officials only acknowledged the existence of the facility in 2013.

Location of Area 51. Graphic: Britannica

Many believe Area 51 is where the US military brings unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial beings for study.

Trevithick noted that MQ-9 aircraft incidents are not uncommon, but this type of event typically does not warrant the high level of secrecy observed near Area 51 in late September. "The information shared by the US Air Force regarding tampering at the crash site after the accident and the collaborative investigation with the FBI only adds to the mystery," the US expert stated.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, CNN, AFP)