Recovery efforts underway for 91st MW vehicle accident Published Sept. 2, 2009 By Maj. Shane Balken Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A payload transporter vehicle belonging to the 91st Missile Wing, which overturned on a gravel road about 10 miles northwest of Berthold on Monday, remains at the scene as Air Force personnel begin recovery efforts of the missile components inside and uprighting the tractor-trailer . The vehicle was carrying unarmed, non-nuclear, rocket engine components of the Minuteman III missile. Although there is a small amount of liquid rocket on board, several tests consistently indicate no leak of the fuel and the equipment is still attached to their original clamps and tie downs. The missile components, which are transported on specially secured pallets, are being evaluated by a recovery team comprised of Air Force experts to ensure all components are stable for movement. "We are grateful for the quick response of experts from Minot AFB, Mountrail County's law enforcement and emergency management personnel, and the National Guard to expedite recovery efforts in this remote area," said Col. Chris Ayres, 91st Missile Wing commander. "Our initial concern is always the safety of our people. Now our efforts have shifted working with the System Program Office experts from Hill AFB and the Air Force Space Command safety investigation board team to recover the vehicle and learn from this accident." The area around the vehicle remains secured by local law enforcement and by 91st Missile Wing security forces personnel as a precautionary measure during recovery efforts. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Air Force and more information will be released as it becomes available.