Safety Issue

A horizontal misalignment of the slots in the coupler, yoke and draft sill allowed the coupler to grab the draft key and move it laterally applying a heavily biased lateral force to the draft key, anti-wear collar and retainer pin. These forces ultimately resulted in the retainer pin split pin failing, the retainer pin dislodging, the draft key dislodging and then the coupler pulling out of the wagon.

Safety Recommendation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia take action to address this safety issue.