Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist (91B10, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic) assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an industrial/occupational mishap 8 December 2020 in the unit motor pool at 1040 local. The mechanic was exchanging the bottle of an Automatic Fire Extinguishing System (AFES) in an M1151 Up-Armored HMMWV. Upon removal of the AFES bottle from the mount, the AFES bottle discharged and struck the mechanic in the head resulting in fatal injuries.

This was the first industrial/occupational fatality of FY21.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 24 November 2020 on the installation. The Soldier was operating his dirt bike with his friend near the Fort Bragg training area. The friend left about 1430, while the Soldier continued riding. He was traveling east on a dirt road when he struck a tree. At approximately 2340, members of the Soldier’s platoon discovered his dirt bike. A special agent with the Criminal Investigation Division notified the platoon that a body was recovered and they were awaiting confirmation that it was the Soldier. The following morning, the Soldier’s battalion and company commander identified his body. This investigation is currently ongoing. Alcohol use is not suspected in the incident. Personal protective equipment was worn, but completion of the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses is unknown at this time.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 13 Soldiers a year to Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap is the second off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY21 and above the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.


If you are planning to operate any off-road type of disciplines or simply trail riding with others, be sure to stay on well-marked and frequently used trails to prevent any occurrences with fencing and avoid unforeseen surprises such as holes, abandoned mines, well pipes, debris, ditches or drop offs, all of which could be disastrous if encountered suddenly at speed.

Dirt Bike Riding Tips:

-Always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
-Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law; another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
-Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
-Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.
-Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.
-Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
-Take a hands-on riding course.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas died in a PMV-4 mishap 21 November 2020 in Perry, Oklahoma, at 0900 local. The Soldier was operating his vehicle when he departed the roadway and rear-ended a 2016 Freightliner legally parked on the shoulder. The Soldier was taken to the local hospital and pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician. It is currently unknown if speed, seat belt use, or alcohol were factors that contributed to the mishap.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the eighth PMV-4 fatality of FY21.
Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. As a pedestrian your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.

-Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.
-Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you – be sure to use them.
-Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
-Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
-Pay attention to your surroundings especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving in.
-Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
-Maintain the posted speed limit.
-Always wear your seatbelt and ensure your passengers do the same.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 14 November 2020 in Killeen, Texas. Witnesses stated the Soldier was handling another Soldier’s POW at a party when a discharged round struck him in the head. The Soldier was taken by ambulance to the local hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but later died from his injuries.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap is the first fatal POW mishap of FY21.

Reinforce to your Soldiers that alcohol and weapons should never be mixed along with the need to always THINK about weapons safety:
Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Staff Sergeant assigned to Quincy, Florida, died in a PMV-4 mishap 14 November 2020 in Live Oak, Florida, at 1900 local. A Soldier was driving his private motor vehicle with two other Soldiers as passengers, returning to home station from IDT weapons qualification. According to the Florida Highway Patrol lead investigator, the Soldiers' vehicle was rear-ended by a drunk driver, resulting in both vehicles going off the road. One Soldier was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The Soldier driving was flown to a local health center, where he is listed in critical condition. The other Soldier was transported to a local health center in stable condition with a contusion on his lung, then transported to the university medical center for further evaluation and treatment. The specific circumstances of the mishap, including speed, seat belt use, and alcohol and drugs as a contributing factor, are unknown at this time. The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Army National Guard State Safety Office are conducting an ongoing investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 33 Soldiers a year to PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the seventh PMV-4 fatality of FY21.

1. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
2. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
3. Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re driving.
5. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
6. Maintain the posted speed limit.
7. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF