by DutchRailnut
Initial NTSB findings: engineer saw track defect.
************************************************************
NTSB ADVISORY
************************************************************
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
April 8, 2004
************************************************************
Update
NTSB'S ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION
OF MISSISSIPPI AMTRAK DERAILMENT
************************************************************
Washington, D.C. -- The following is an update of the NTSB's
on-scene investigation into Tuesday's Amtrak derailment near
Yazoo City, Mississippi. The City of New Orleans derailed
about 6:33 p.m., Tuesday, April 6. As of this morning,
there was one fatality as a result of the accident. Below
is a summary of the investigative groups' reports from the
scene.
Mechanical
Upon arriving at the scene, inspection of the site and
documentation of the equipment began. The mechanical group
also began gathering historical information on the train and
requested information on recent maintenance and repairs.
Recorders
According to preliminary information from the event
recorder, which was downloaded at the scene, the City of New
Orleans left at Jackson 6:03 p.m. (there were 61 passengers
and 12 crewmembers on board). At 6:33:28, the train was
traveling at 78 mph. At 6:33:38, the train brakes went into
emergency and at 6:33:48, the train came to a complete stop.
Survival Factors
Investigators began examining the interior and exterior of
the cars. Three of the derailed cars were up-righted and
examined for survival factors documentation. Interviews
with passengers began today.
Operations
The operations group gathered Amtrak's operating rulebooks
and train orders. In an interview with the engineer today,
he reported that when the train was traveling down track, he
noticed what appeared to be a misalignment in the track and
began the first phase of braking. Additionally, he stated,
a few seconds later the right rail appeared to roll away and
he immediately put the train in emergency braking.
Preliminary review of the event recorder information
corresponds with the train handling actions described by the
engineer in his statement. Interviews with the conductor
and crew are also scheduled for today.
Human Performance
The Safety Board is reviewing the personnel records and
employment history of the crew. The Human Performance Group
will also review the work/rest cycle of the crew.
Toxicology tests were conducted, as normally required
following an accident, and results of any physical
examinations will be reviewed.
NTSB Media Contact: Lauren Peduzzi (in Mississippi for
the Yazoo City rail accident. Media inquiries thru April 8,
2004) (202) 368-7820
Terry Williams (in Washington) (202) 314-6100
************************************************************
NTSB ADVISORY
************************************************************
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
April 8, 2004
************************************************************
Update
NTSB'S ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION
OF MISSISSIPPI AMTRAK DERAILMENT
************************************************************
Washington, D.C. -- The following is an update of the NTSB's
on-scene investigation into Tuesday's Amtrak derailment near
Yazoo City, Mississippi. The City of New Orleans derailed
about 6:33 p.m., Tuesday, April 6. As of this morning,
there was one fatality as a result of the accident. Below
is a summary of the investigative groups' reports from the
scene.
Mechanical
Upon arriving at the scene, inspection of the site and
documentation of the equipment began. The mechanical group
also began gathering historical information on the train and
requested information on recent maintenance and repairs.
Recorders
According to preliminary information from the event
recorder, which was downloaded at the scene, the City of New
Orleans left at Jackson 6:03 p.m. (there were 61 passengers
and 12 crewmembers on board). At 6:33:28, the train was
traveling at 78 mph. At 6:33:38, the train brakes went into
emergency and at 6:33:48, the train came to a complete stop.
Survival Factors
Investigators began examining the interior and exterior of
the cars. Three of the derailed cars were up-righted and
examined for survival factors documentation. Interviews
with passengers began today.
Operations
The operations group gathered Amtrak's operating rulebooks
and train orders. In an interview with the engineer today,
he reported that when the train was traveling down track, he
noticed what appeared to be a misalignment in the track and
began the first phase of braking. Additionally, he stated,
a few seconds later the right rail appeared to roll away and
he immediately put the train in emergency braking.
Preliminary review of the event recorder information
corresponds with the train handling actions described by the
engineer in his statement. Interviews with the conductor
and crew are also scheduled for today.
Human Performance
The Safety Board is reviewing the personnel records and
employment history of the crew. The Human Performance Group
will also review the work/rest cycle of the crew.
Toxicology tests were conducted, as normally required
following an accident, and results of any physical
examinations will be reviewed.
NTSB Media Contact: Lauren Peduzzi (in Mississippi for
the Yazoo City rail accident. Media inquiries thru April 8,
2004) (202) 368-7820
Terry Williams (in Washington) (202) 314-6100
If Conductors are in charge, why are they promoted to be Engineer???
Retired Triebfahrzeugführer. I am not a moderator.
Retired Triebfahrzeugführer. I am not a moderator.
