101 Critical Days of Summer 2024 Wrap-Up: Promoting Risk Management On- and Off-Duty
By Mr. Joe Hughes, HQ AMC/SEG Division Chief
Another 101 Critical Days of Summer (CDS) campaign has ended. However, we can never let our guards down. This year, we continued promoting the application of risk management to all tasks and activities, both on- and off-duty.
The 101 CDS, an initiative that begins each Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day, promotes on-duty (or operational) and off-duty risk management skills to ensure Airmen and their families stay safe during what should be one of the most enjoyable times of the year.
Many safety professionals hold their breaths during this period, but I do not. We try our best to educate and advise everyone on the known risks associated with this period. We also work to provide information and education for all on-duty activities so that everyone is safe while at work. This 101 CDS was no different—we put our best foot forward, but sometimes the environment we live and work in throws punches. This year, the Air Force lost twelve Airmen and Guardians during the 101 CDS period, two of which were Air Mobility Command Airmen who perished in motorcycle mishaps.
Car drivers, not motorcyclists, cause more than two-thirds of vehicle accidents involving cars and motorcycles. Whether drivers simply do not see motorcyclists approaching or they are not aware of how to share the road safely with motorcycles, it is important that more drivers learn how to avoid these all-too-common accidents.
AMC FY24 Mishaps Statistics Scoreboard
| FY24 Aviation Mishaps | |||
| Aircraft | Class A | Class B | Total as of OCTOBER 2024 |
| C-5M | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| C-17A | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| C-130J | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| KC-135R | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| KC-46A | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 6 | 3 | 9 |
FY24 FLIGHT SAFETY NOTES
Class A
Air Mobility Command (AMC) had six Class A aviation mishaps in FY24, compared with nine in FY23.
KC-46A Boom-Impacted Aircraft
During an aerial refueling, the boom impacted the fuselage and broke apart, with a portion falling to the ground. The incident is under investigation.
C-130J Engine Overtemperature
While cruising, the #3 engine experienced an overtemperature warning. The incident is under investigation.
C-130J Engine Internal Explosion on Ground Run
During a maintenance run, the #3 engine experienced an internal explosion, causing damage. The incident is under investigation.
C-17A Engine Failed
After departure, the #2 engine created a loud noise and shut down independently. The incident is under investigation.
C-130J Hard Landing on Landing Zone (two events)
The aircraft experienced a hard landing with major damage. The incidents are under investigation.
CLASS B
The total number of Class B mishaps was three (there were five in FY23).
C-130J Toe Severed
During cargo upload, a pallet struck the pilot’s right foot, severing the great toe.
C-17A Finger Severed
During cargo upload, the loadmaster’s hand was caught between two pallets, severing a right fingertip and bone. The incident is under investigation.
C-17A Engine Compressor Stall
After departure, the #4 engine experienced a compressor stall. The incident is under investigation.
| FY24 Occupational Safety Mishaps | |||
| Category | Class A | Class B | Total as of October 2024 |
| PMV 2 Wheel (Motorcycle) | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| PMV 4 Wheel | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Sports and Rec | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Gov. Motor Vehicle | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Industrial | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Miscellaneous | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 1 | 6 |
FY24 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY NOTES
Class A
AMC had five Class A occupational mishaps in FY24, compared with four in FY23.
PMV 2-Wheel (Motorcycle)
- A member operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol lost control, struck a light pole, and sustained fatal injuries.
- A member operating a motorcycle collided with another vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries. The incident is under investigation.
- A member operating a motorcycle at a high rate of speed struck another vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. The incident is under investigation.
PMV 4-Wheel
A member lost control of their vehicle on icy roads and struck a tree, resulting in permanent total disability.
Sports and Recreation
A utility task vehicle struck a tree, resulting in a passenger fatality. The incident is under investigation.
CLASS B
AMC had one Class B occupational mishap in FY24, compared with zero in FY23.
PMV 2 Wheel (Motorcycle)
A member was operating a motorcycle at very high speed, lost control, was ejected, and struck a utility pole, resulting in multiple severe injuries.
FY24 WEAPONS SAFETY NOTES
AMC had zero Class A or B weapons mishaps in FY24, compared with one in FY23.