Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

An Army Contractor at Fort Novosel, Alabama, died in an aviation mishap 7 August 2024 at 1340 local. During flight training with a student pilot, the aircraft had a catastrophic impact with the ground. The student pilot received minor injuries. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the mishap.

Since FY19, the Army has had an average of eight Class A aviation flight mishaps and lost an average of seven Soldiers per year to on-duty aviation mishaps. This was the 14th Class A aviation flight mishap of FY24 and six above the number of similar mishaps during the same time last year.

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 1 August 2024 in Junction City, Kansas, at 1130 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle on I-70 when he was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-truck in a construction zone. Local police and emergency services responded and pronounced him dead at the scene. He recently returned from a rotation in Europe and had not attended the motorcycle refresher course. He was properly licensed, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and had completed the Basic RiderCourse in July 2023. Speed or alcohol involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 28th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle refresher training (MRT). MRT is required for any (motorcycle-licensed and endorsed) Soldier owning a motorcycle and returning from a deployment greater than 180 days. A Soldier must attend MRT prior to operating his or her motorcycle on a public or private street or highway with the exception of riding to the training site or location. MRT will be conducted on the individual’s own motorcycle to confirm ability to safely handle his or her motorcycle. Training will be provided at the unit level utilizing USACRC MRT digital video disk (DVD), which is available online at https://safety.army.mil or by request. Based on MRT performance, commanders can refer motorcycle riders back to the Progressive Motorcycle Program for re-training if they question the operator’s safe riding skills.

Improve Your Motorcycling Skills and Safety with Training
Motorcycling is a unique experience. Whether you ride to and from work, prefer the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend or enjoy the vistas of an off-pavement excursion, motorcycling engages all your senses and creates an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Along with that freedom comes responsibility, and it's crucial to take every safety precaution.

All states require some form of license to ride a motorcycle on the street, demonstrating a minimum level of riding skill and knowledge. Liability insurance also is required. If your state does not require a hands-on training course before applying for a license, consider taking one anyway to learn basic riding skills and how to stay safe in traffic.

Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness, and more strength and coordination than driving a car. Riding also involves some risks not encountered when driving other vehicles. Motorcycle riders require more maneuvering skill and are more vulnerable in a crash. Motorcycles are not as easily seen as cars or trucks because of their narrow profile. Other motorists, particularly those who don’t ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places the motorcyclist at risk, particularly at intersections.

All these risks can be managed through training and education.

A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Drum, New York, died in a PMV-4 mishap 8 June 2024 in Dexter, New York, at 0220 local. The Soldier’s vehicle ran off the road and into a river. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded, removed the Soldier from the submerged vehicle and began lifesaving measures. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for the JCSO to release its final report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 30th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of PMV-4 fatalities for the same time last year.

A Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a PMV-4 mishap 26 July 2024 in Pacifica, California, at 1140 local. While on leave, the Soldier was riding in a vehicle that went off a cliff. His body was recovered the following day. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement to release its final report. Speed, seat belt use and alcohol involvement are currently unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 35 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap was the 29th off-duty PMV-4 mishap of FY24 and above the number of PMV-4 fatalities for the same time last year.

A 40-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 20 July 2024 in Salado, Texas, at 1950 local. The Soldier was riding his Harley-Davidson Road Glide when he was ejected while trying to avoid a vehicle that pulled into his path of travel. He had completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course but was not wearing a helmet. Alcohol and drug use is unknown.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This mishap was the 27th PMV-2 fatality of FY24 and equal to the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Motorcycle Safety: The Importance of Wearing a Helmet
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with a unique set of risks. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a car. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself while riding a motorcycle is by wearing a helmet.

A motorcycle helmet is the single-most important piece of safety equipment for a motorcyclist. In fact, the NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017 alone. Here are a few reasons why helmets are so important:

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. A helmet can help to protect your head from impact and reduce the risk of brain injury.

Helmets can also help to protect your face and eyes from wind, debris and bugs.

In some states, wearing a helmet is required by law. Even if it's not, Soldiers are still required by Army regulation to wear a helmet whenever operating a motorcycle on and off the installation.

What to Look for When Buying a Motorcycle Helmet
When buying a motorcycle helmet, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you're getting the best protection possible. Here are some key factors to consider:

Safety Standards: Look for a helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. These standards ensure that the helmet has been tested for impact resistance and penetration resistance.

Fit: Make sure the helmet fits snugly and comfortably on your head. It should not be too tight or too loose. Try on several different helmets and choose the one that feels the best.

Ventilation: Look for a helmet with good ventilation to keep your head cool and dry.

Visibility: Consider a helmet with a clear visor to improve visibility and reduce glare.

Types of Motorcycle Helmets
There are several different types of motorcycle helmets to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are a few of the most popular types:

Full-Face Helmets: These helmets offer the most protection and coverage, including a chin guard to protect your face and jaw. They also tend to be quieter and more aerodynamic.

Open-Face Helmets: These helmets provide less coverage than full-face helmets but offer more freedom and comfort. They typically have a chin guard, but no face shield.

Half Helmets: These helmets provide the least amount of coverage but offer the most freedom and ventilation. They typically have a chin strap, but no face shield or chin guard.

Tips for Safe Motorcycling
In addition to wearing a helmet, there are several other things you can do to stay safe while riding a motorcycle. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Take a motorcycle safety course: Many states offer motorcycle safety courses that can teach you the skills you need to stay safe on the road.

Wear protective clothing: In addition to a helmet, it's also a good idea to wear other protective gear such as a jacket, gloves, and boots.

Be visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing and use your headlight to make yourself more visible to other drivers.

Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of what other drivers are doing and anticipate their actions.

Per AR 385-10

3. Motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle rider protection. Commanders will ensure that all individuals covered by this regulation wear the following PPE while operating motorcycles, off-road vehicles and ATVs on the installation and by all Soldiers who ride motorcycles and ATVs at any time on or off Army installations.
   1. Helmets. Helmets will—
      1. In the United States, meet FMVSS 218, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Standard, BS 6658, or Snell Standard according to DoDI 6055.04. The DOT symbol is on the outside back of the helmet, near the bottom.
      2. Outside the United States, meet the HN standards. If the HN has no standard, helmets must meet at a minimum DOT FMVSS.
      3. Be properly fastened under the chin.
   2. Eye protection. Eye protection must meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance (includes goggles, wraparound glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to a helmet)). A windshield or fairing does not constitute eye protection.
   3. Foot protection. Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballistic-type fabric athletic shoes that cover the ankles are acceptable).
   4. Protective clothing. Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials (such as leather, Kevlar® or Cordura®) and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.

Tips provided by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)