Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in a PMV-4 mishap near the installation 9 March 2024 at 0450 local. Soldier No. 1 was reportedly traveling northbound with Soldier No. 2 as a passenger when he lost control and struck multiple barriers. Soldier No. 1 sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Soldier No. 2 suffered severe burns and was transported to the local Army medical center before being transferred to a higher-level facility for further treatment and evaluation. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, use of seat belt or alcohol, are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement 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 18th PMV-4 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Most safe driving skills teach you to remain in control of your vehicle at all times. But that's not always possible.

There are times when even the safest drivers lose control of their vehicle: There might be water or ice or gravel that robs us of control, or a collision might cause us to lose control as well. If we lose control of the vehicle, here's how to stay safe.

What you need to do first

We're making an assumption here that you are already driving safely, which means your seat belt is buckled, your hands are at "nine and three" on the steering wheel, and you're not talking on your cellphone.

When you lose control

Here is what you should do when you lose control:

1. Don't panic. Yes, everyone says you shouldn't panic and it's hard not to panic, but panicking is the most detrimental thing to do. Some people freeze up when they panic, and others overcompensate. Avoid panic and stay calm.
2. Keep your hands on the wheel. When some people panic and lose control of the vehicle, their first reaction is to let go of the wheel. Don't do this! At some point you will regain control of the vehicle and having your hands on the steering wheel will make sure that you are ready.
3. Keep your eyes open. When people panic, another reaction is to close their eyes. Don't do this! Keep your eyes open because as soon as you regain control of your vehicle, you will need to see where you are going.
4. Shift into neutral. When the vehicle is in drive, there is power going to the wheels, even if you aren't accelerating. By shifting into neutral, you are eliminating the power to the wheels.
5. Steer into the skid. Whether you're hydroplaning on water or skidding on ice or gravel, it's usually a good idea to steer into the skid. That is, steer in the direction that the back of your vehicle is trying to go. In most cases, this is the best way to regain control of a vehicle.
6. You don't necessarily have to stop the vehicle; you just have to slow down and straighten the car out to regain your footing.
7. Make sure you drive out of the danger before stopping the vehicle and getting out. Check around you to make sure. For example, other vehicles following you might hit the same hazard that you hit and lose control as well. So, make sure you are well away from danger first.

We should drive in such a way that we stay in control of our vehicles at all times. However, some road conditions will still prevail and keep us from remaining in control. Using the techniques described above, you can avoid additional danger to yourself and regain control of your vehicle.

Note: Offered for informational purposes only from Boyd Autobody.

A 22-year-old Specialist assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, died in a PMV-4 mishap in Okinawa, Japan, 9 March 2024 at 0409 local. The Soldier was reportedly involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident. The Japanese police, Camp Foster Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO) and Torii Station PMO responded to the scene. The Soldier was transported to the local Naval hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival. It was reported the Soldier was wearing a seat belt and alcohol was not involved. It is currently unknown if speed was a contributing factor. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement 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 17th PMV-4 fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Two Warrant Officers assigned to the New York Army National Guard, Latham, New York, died in an aviation mishap 8 March 2024 at 1440 local. During flight in support of the Border Mission, the aircraft had a catastrophic impact with the ground. A third passenger, a United States Customs and Border Protection Agent, also died in the mishap and the fourth crewmember suffered life-threating injuries. The aircraft was a total loss. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the mishap.

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

Two Warrant Officers assigned to the Army National Guard, Tupelo, Mississippi, died in an aviation mishap 23 February 2024 at approximately 1330 local. While conducting a training flight, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic event and impacted the ground. First responders declared both Soldiers dead at the mishap site. The aircraft was a total loss. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is investigating the mishap.

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

A 30-year-old Sergeant First Class assigned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, died in a PMV-4 mishap 2 February 2024 in Hoke County, North Carolina, at 2248 local. The Soldier was reportedly operating his vehicle when he crossed the median and struck a tree. The vehicle caught fire and the Soldier sustained fatal injuries. Speed was involved, the use of seat belt and alcohol are currently unknown. The unit/safety points of contact are waiting for law enforcement 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 16th fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.