DA Form 2696: Operational Hazard Report Guide (2026) – The DA Form 2696, officially titled Operational Hazard Report (OHR), serves as a critical tool in the US Army’s aviation safety program. It enables Soldiers, civilians, and aviation personnel to report conditions or acts that could compromise the safety of Army aircraft, personnel, or equipment before they lead to accidents.
This article explains the form’s purpose, proper use, completion process, and download instructions, based on official Army sources like DA PAM 385-90, AR 385-10, and the current form from the Army Publishing Directorate.
What Is DA Form 2696?
DA Form 2696 is the standardized form used to document operational hazards in Army aviation. An operational hazard is defined as “any condition or act that affects or may affect the safety of Army aircraft or associated personnel and equipment.”
The form (dated OCT 2013, with the latest e-file version available) supports proactive hazard identification and risk management. It is not for documenting actual accidents (which use other forms like DA Form 2397 series) but for preventing them.
Key facts:
- Proponent: Department of the Army Safety (DAS).
- Requirements Control Symbol: CSOCS-307.
- For use per DA PAM 385-10 and related aviation safety guidance.
Purpose of the Operational Hazard Report (OHR)
The primary goal of the DA Form 2696 is accident prevention. It allows anyone to flag potential issues such as:
- Unsafe procedures, policies, or maintenance practices.
- Facility or materiel deficiencies.
- Near mid-air collisions (NMAC).
- Air traffic control issues.
- Problems with communications, weather services, night vision devices, or armament.
Important notes on use:
- Reports are for accident prevention purposes only and should not be used for disciplinary action, determining misconduct, or line-of-duty status.
- It helps fulfill NATO STANAG 3750FS for airmiss reporting and investigation.
- Hazards should be corrected at the lowest possible level whenever feasible.
Who Should Submit a DA Form 2696?
Any person—military or civilian—observing a hazard can submit an OHR. This includes pilots, crew members, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and ground support staff.
You do not need to be directly involved in the incident; anonymous submissions are possible, though providing contact information helps with follow-up if desired.
How to Submit DA Form 2696?
- Complete the form as thoroughly as possible.
- Submit it to the Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) or the flight operations office.
- The ASO investigates, adds recommendations, and routes it for command action and tracking.
Prompt submission and feedback to the originator encourage continued reporting. Units should make blank forms readily available in operations areas and promote the program through safety meetings and briefings.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out DA Form 2696?
Here’s a breakdown of the main sections based on the official form:
- Block 1 (TO): Address to the Aviation Safety Officer and local command.
- Block 2 (FROM): Originator’s name and address (include 9-digit ZIP). Optional for anonymity.
- Block 3: Date, time (local), and light conditions (day, night, dawn, dusk).
- Block 4: Location details (in flight, on ground, specific airspace, obstacles, etc.).
- Block 5: What the hazard pertains to (procedures, facilities, maintenance, ATC, near midair collision, etc.).
- Block 6: Aircraft details for single or multiple aircraft (mission, design, serial number, flight plan, headings, etc.).
- Block 7: Meteorological conditions (visibility, clouds, precipitation, etc.).
- Block 8-9: Cloud proximity and sighting details, especially for near midair collisions.
- Block 10 (NARRATIVE): Provide a clear description of the hazard, possible causes, and your corrective recommendations. Attach extra sheets if needed.
- Blocks 11-12: Investigation results and corrective actions (completed by ASO/Commander).
- Block 13: Point of contact information.
Tip: Be factual, specific, and solution-oriented in the narrative. For near midair collisions, complete all relevant aircraft and sighting details.
Benefits of Using the Operational Hazard Report
- Prevents accidents by addressing issues early.
- Supports data-driven improvements in procedures, training, and equipment.
- Enhances overall unit safety culture.
- Provides a formal channel for feedback on aviation operations.
Commanders and safety officers review OHRs, implement corrections, and track trends through safety councils.
Download DA Form 2696 PDF
Get the official, fillable version directly from the Army Publishing Directorate:
Download DA Form 2696 – Operational Hazard Report
Always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil for compliance.
Additional Resources
- AR 385-10: The Army Safety Program.
- DA PAM 385-90: Army Aviation Accident Prevention Program (primary reference for OHR procedures).
- US Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) safety.army.mil for forms, guidance, and training.
- Contact your unit Aviation Safety Officer for local procedures.
Reporting operational hazards through DA Form 2696 demonstrates commitment to safety and helps protect fellow Soldiers and assets. If you observe a potential hazard in Army aviation operations, complete the form promptly and submit it through your chain or safety channels.
This information is for reference and educational purposes based on publicly available official US Army sources as of 2026. Always consult your command safety office or the latest regulations for official guidance.