Risk Management Magazine

Dehydration is a leading cause of injury for Soldiers. To keep them in the fight, it’s essential they remain properly hydrated — even during the winter.

A few years ago, as part of a Black Hawk crew, we encountered a close-call incident while conducting a routine training flight. We were returning to base when we experienced a phenomenon known as settling with power or the vortex ring state. This occurs when a helicopter descends too quickly and loses lift from the rotor blades.

The unit was tasked to refuel two Army tactical vehicles and provide a Soldier with driver training. To accomplish the mission, the Soldiers would travel on local roadways. They were given orders to clear the snow from their vehicles and conduct preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). They were also briefed on the proper speeds for the winter road conditions.