Adopted: October 2, 1974
HOPPY'S OIL SERVICE, INC.
TRUCK OVERTURN AND FIRE
STATE ROUTE 128,
BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS
OCTOBER 18, 1973
NTSB Number: HAR-74/04NTIS
Number: PB-237259/AS
PDF Document (2.92 MB)
ABSTRACT
This reports describes and analyzes the left side tractor-tandem equalizer beam failure and the subsequent overturn of the tractor-semitrailer (tank) carrying gasoline on Massachusetts State Route 128 in Braintree, Massachusetts, on October 18, 1973. After failure of the equalizer beam, the vehicle veered to the right and struck a gardrail which redirected the truck back into the roadway. However, the semitrailer overturned onto the guardrail, which puncured the tank shell and permitted gasoline to escape. The overturned vehicle slid on its side back into the roadway, abrading holes in the tank shell permitting further escape of gasoline. The gasoline ignited, killing the truckdriver.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the cause of loss of control and subsequent overturn of the truck was the failure of the left rear equalizer beam of the tractor tandem suspension. The failure was precipitated by the increased dynamic loading imposed on the equalizer beam as the truck traversed a depression in the roadway. Contributing to the failure of the equalizer beam were: (1) inappropriate maintenance and repair procedures used in the removal of worn bushings and sleeves from the beam, (2) the overweight cargo, and (3) the presence of the minor depression in the road surface.
The report contains recommendations to various Federal, State, and industry authorities intended to prevent the recurrence of this type of accident.
