Tactical vehicle rollover investigation reveals not wearing seat belts contributed to paralysis, amputation injuries for two Airmen

  • Published
  • PACAF

Pacific Air Forces released the results of its investigation into a tactical vehicle accident where two Airmen were significantly injured on Tinian, Feb. 17, 2023.

Two Airmen were traveling to a training location when their SRTV-SXV Tactical Vehicle departed the road and rolled over near North Field, Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands. The members were deployed from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, and the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Both Airmen were ejected from the vehicle. The driver sustained serious injuries resulting in permanent paralysis below the waist. The passenger also sustained serious injuries to include a pelvic fracture and internal abdominal injuries, resulting in several corrective surgeries and an above-the-knee amputation. Neither Airman was wearing seatbelts or personal protective equipment at the time of the accident.

In accordance with AFI 51-307, Aerospace and Ground Accident Investigations, this Ground Accident Investigation Board conducted a legal investigation to inquire into all the facts and circumstances surrounding this Air Force ground accident, prepared a publicly releasable report, and obtained and preserved all available evidence for use in litigation, claims, disciplinary action, and adverse administrative action.

A copy of the full report may be viewed at www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports/.