Which of the following is a Class A mishap criterion?

• A. Fatality or permanent total disability
• B. Inpatient hospitalization of three or more personnel
• C. Reportable damage of $2,500,000 or more
• D. Less than $25,000

Answer: (A)

Class A mishap criteria are defined by the most severe outcome among those involved. A fatality or permanent total disability immediately places a mishap into Class A, because these outcomes represent the highest level of harm and require the most rapid, thorough investigation and reporting. The other statements describe serious injuries or large property damage, which can influence mishap classification, but they do not define Class A on their own in this context. The statement about fatality or permanent total disability is the direct, unambiguous trigger for Class A, which is why it is the best answer.