Travis Ground Accident Investigation Board complete Published Sept. 28, 2007 Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command (AMC) today released the results of its investigation into the Feb. 15, 2006, mishap involving a Non-Appropriated Fund employee at the Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Travis AFB, Calif. The injured employee was transporting a large, unsecured branch balanced on the front bucket of a tractor. The branch was approximately 17 feet in length and 15 inches in diameter. While driving the tractor along a bumpy grass surface, the branch shifted off the bucket, hitting the employee on the left side of his head, causing multiple head and neck injuries, and rendering him paralyzed from the neck down. The Ground Accident Investigation Board, convened by AMC, found clear and convincing evidence that the primary cause of the accident was the injured employee's lack of proper judgment and implementation of reasonable safety measures. Specifically, the board concluded that the injured employee's failure to either secure the heavy branch to the tractor bucket, or to cut the limb into smaller pieces that would fit within the bucket, directly resulted in the injury. Additionally, the GAIB found substantial evidence that a lack of individual and unit training, a lack of documented maintenance records, failure to comply with applicable safety standards, and an atmosphere of expediency to get the job done quickly, were contributing factors. After the accident occurred, other golf course employees immediately rendered first aid and called 911. Emergency response personnel arrived five to eight minutes after the 911 call, rendered medical assistance, and transported the injured employee to the David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center.