Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant and Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an aircraft mishap 27 August 2020 on San Clemente Island, California, at 1730 local. Two aircraft departed North Island Naval Air Station (KNZY) en route to the San Clemente Island range. Once the flight arrived, the crew commenced call-for-fire training as a flight of two. At approximately 1730, the radio call was received that one of the aircraft had been involved in a mishap. All crew members were extracted from the aircraft and transported to the local hospital. Sensitive items and the site were secured. The USACRC is leading a safety investigation into the mishap.

During the fourth quarter from FY15--19, the Army averaged 4.2 Class A aviation mishaps. However, this year we have had only one Class A aviation mishap to date in the fourth quarter. Prior to this incident, the Army had not experienced a Class A aviation mishap since March 2020, over five months ago. While the Army still continues to fly over 90% of its year-to-date flying hours, the Class A aviation mishap rate is 0.86 mishaps per 100,000 flight hours, the lowest rate since FY16 and lower than the five- and 10-year averages. This is the seventh Class A aviation mishap of FY20, but the third fatal aviation mishap of FY20.

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A Lieutenant Colonel assigned to Naples, Italy, died in a pedestrian mishap 22 August 2020 in Rome, Italy, at 2040 local. While walking to meet his family for dinner, the Soldier was struck and killed by a civilian vehicle. The civilian driver reportedly stopped and tried to render first aid. The following day, the Soldier’s wife identified his body. The circumstances of the incident are unknown, as the host nation will not release information regarding the death until the investigation is complete. Alcohol use and other factors are unknown at this time, pending the results of the ongoing investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to pedestrian/non-motorist mishaps. This mishap is the third pedestrian/non-motorist fatality of FY20 and above the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year.

While the specific circumstances surrounding this mishap are unknown at this time, the following pedestrian safety tips should always be followed:

•Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
•Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
•If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
•Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
•Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
•If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
•Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
•Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
•Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
•Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment.

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A Sergeant assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, died in a PMV-4 mishap 16 August 2020 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 1930 local. The Soldier was traveling on the Bluegrass Parkway when he attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The Soldier’s use of seat belt has not been verified. Speed and alcohol use are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 34 Soldiers a year to off-duty PMV-4 mishaps. This mishap is the 26th PMV-4 fatality of FY20 and is below the number of similar fatalities during the same time period last year. Only make a legal U-turn if there is an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic. Speed limit, visibility, and the amount of space available to turn around are all factors you must consider before turning around in traffic. Sometimes, proceeding to the next exit, exiting and reentering the highway is your best choice.

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A Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 15 August 2020 at a lake in the Rainier National Park in Ashford, Washington, at 1900 local. The Soldier was swimming with a group of fellow Soldiers and friends. They tried swimming across the lake and upon the return swim, the Soldier started having trouble swimming. A friend tried swimming out to the Soldier but was unable to reach him before struggling himself. The Soldier was unable to reach the shoreline, went under the water, and did not resurface. Another Soldier notified local authorities. The National Park Rangers responded, established an incident command, and notified the county dive team. Dive teams did not initiate the search until the next morning due to the difficult terrain on the approach to the lake. The National Park Service confirmed recovery of the Soldier’s body a couple of days later. The Soldier’s body was positively identified by fellow Soldiers from the unit. It was reported that alcohol was not involved. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This tragedy was the ninth fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY20 and below the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year. Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, and the ocean) is more difficult than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go under water in a murky lake, making them very hard to find, or be swept away in currents.

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A Master Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a PMV-2 mishap 16 August 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 0030 local. The Soldier was riding his motorcycle on the wrong side of the road, with his wife as a passenger, when he collided with an oncoming vehicle. Both the Soldier and his wife were pronounced dead at the scene. Motorcycle Safety Foundation training and the use of personal protective equipment is unknown at this time. Alcohol was suspected as a factor. This mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This was the sixteenth fatal off-duty PMV-2 mishap of FY20 and below the number of PMV-2 fatalities from this time last year.

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