Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 4 September 2020 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 2330 local. The Soldier was riding with a group of other Soldiers when he attempted to transverse a corner at approximately 70-80 mph, causing his motorcycle to strike an electrical box on the side of the road. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the local hospital. Alcohol and drugs are not currently suspected to have contributed to the mishap. Completion of required Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses and use of personal protective equipment have not been verified. The mishap is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This preventable mishap is the 18th PMV-2 fatality of FY20 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

Here are some important safety tips to follow when negotiating a curve:

- As you approach a curve, slow down to a good entry speed, allowing you to roll on the throttle as you prepare to navigate the curve and speed up later. Use the rear brake gently and position your motorcycle outside for the turn. This means, if you are turning left, your bike should be about 3 feet from the right side of the lane and when you want to turn right, the motorcycle should be about 3 feet from the centerline of the road.

- Remember to use the countersteering technique and apply it at the start of your entry into the curve. Keep your throttle open and roll to the curve, keeping a good distance away from the inside of the curve initially. As the angle of the curve tightens, you should be leaning closer to the curve. Point your eyes in the direction you want the motorcycle to go. At the same time, you should be aware of oncoming traffic from the opposite direction.

- Accelerate after you have negotiated the tightest angle of the curve and you can already see where the road becomes straight again. You should be moving away from the inside of the curve and more toward the inner lane as you accelerate. Acceleration will push your motorcycle up straight again as you prepare to ride on a straight lane.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Private assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a training-related mishap 28 August 2020 on the installation at 0700 local. During the individual release portion of a physical readiness training (PRT) platoon run, the Soldier collapsed and lost consciousness. He remained unresponsive and had a core temperature of 102 F as nearby Soldiers assessed his condition. Several minutes later, medics arrived and began CPR. The Soldier was taken to the installation medical center and placed in a medically induced coma. Two days later, he was transferred to another medical center in Temple, Texas, where he remained in a coma and underwent an apnea test as part of the medical protocol. Doctor’s removed him from oxygen in attempt to have him breathe on his own, but it yielded no positive results. The Soldier was later pronounced dead by the attending doctor. At that time, the Soldier’s family made the decision to remove him from life support. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishaps. This was the second on-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishap of FY20.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Sergeant assigned to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, died in a PMV-2 mishap 26 August 2020 in St. Thomas. At 2215 hours, a civilian notified emergency personnel of a body in bushes next to a motorcycle. Details of the incident are unknown, but the initial investigation suggests the Soldier was riding on the highway when he collided with a guardrail. Use of personal protective equipment and completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses have 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 28 Soldiers a year to PMV-2 mishaps. This preventable mishap is the 17th PMV-2 fatality of FY20 and below the number of fatalities for the same time period last year.

While the specific circumstance surrounding this mishap are unknown at this time, here are some important motorcycle safety tips and facts:

•Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash.
•Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to the hazards of road conditions.
•Motorcycles are far less crashworthy and less stable than four-wheel vehicles.
•Look Where You Want To Go: This is an important concept when riding. Looking where you want to go and then going there is crucial to avoid obstacles you may face on the road.
•Obey the speed limit; the faster you go, the longer it will take you to stop. Be aware of local traffic laws and rules of the road.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

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.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

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.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF