NTSB Press Release
National Transportation Safety Board
Office of Public Affairs
UPDATE ON NTSB INVESTIGATION INTO DERAILMENT OF AMTRAK AUTOTRAIN
May 17, 2002
The National Transportation Safety Board today released the following updated information on its investigation of the April 18, 2002, derailment of Amtrak AutoTrain PO52-18 on the CSX Transportation Company track near Crescent City, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of 4 passengers, 6 serious injuries, and hospitalization of 22 others.
Computer Simulations
Work will continue at the New York Air Brakes Train Dynamic Simulation facility
in Fort Worth, Texas on the AutoTrain braking systems, stopping distance and
train makeup. The simulations will help determine the amount of force the train
imparted to the track before and during braking. Investigators are looking at
the effect different braking systems may have had on AutoTrain since the train
is a unique combination of passenger and automobile-carrying railroad cars.
The accident train had 16 Amtrak SuperLiner passenger cars ahead of 24 "autorack"
cars. Both types of cars are about the same loaded weight. The simulations will
help assess whether re-arrangement of cars in the train could have an effect
on the dynamics of the accident.
Couplers
The large metal couplers, which linked the Amtrak SuperLiner rail passenger
cars together, will also be examined. Several couplers broke as a result of
the accident and are being sent to the NTSB materials laboratory in Washington,
DC for further examination. The examination will focus on determining the cause
of the fractures. The couplers are designed to keep railroad passenger cars
upright and inline in the event of a derailment.
Track
The investigation is continuing to gather documentation and information regarding
the railroad track in the derailment area. The track consisted of continuous
welded rail (CWR), which has no joints. The investigation is focusing not only
on the physical condition of the track structure at the time of the accident,
but track maintenance policies and procedures, maintenance reporting processes,
and management oversight by CSX and the FRA.
Toxicological Tests
Mandatory Federal Railroad Administration post-accident alcohol and drug tests
were performed on the Amtrak operation train crew after the accident. The results
showed no alcohol or illegal drugs in any train crewmembers, including the engineer
and conductor.
NTSB Media Contact:
Keith Holloway
(202) 314-6100
hollowk@ntsb.gov
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged with determining the probable cause
of transportation accidents, promoting transportation safety, and assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families.
