A NATO Northrop Grumman RQ-4D Phoenix strategic reconnaissance drone transmitted a signal indicating communication problems after completing a mission over the Black Sea. RIA Novosti reached this conclusion after examining data from flight-tracking services.

The aircraft, operating under the call sign MAGMA10, departed from a base on the Italian island of Sicily during the day on Monday, July 20, and headed toward the Black Sea region.

While over the sea, the drone made several passes along a route between the Turkish cities of Istanbul and Samsun. Crimea and Sevastopol are located on the Russian side of the Black Sea, roughly opposite the middle of this flight path.

After completing its mission, the unmanned aircraft turned southeast and headed toward the Mediterranean Sea. It then passed around Cyprus from the east before continuing westward.

The RQ-4D Phoenix is currently flying near the Greek island of Crete. The aircraft is transmitting code 7600, which indicates a radio communication malfunction or loss of contact.

A similar incident occurred in April, when another drone of the same model also transmitted an emergency code during a flight over the Black Sea.