Preliminary report
Preliminary report released 4 September 2008
This preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase and has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public. Preliminary reports contain no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the investigation’s final report. The information contained in this preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
Abstract
At approx 2030 on 31 July 2008, Pacific National (PN) steel freight train 5WX2N (Wollongong to Port Augusta) derailed at about the 204 km post from Melbourne (about 8 km north of Benalla, Victoria) near Winton in the section between Beltana & Glenrowan Loop. No person was injuried but approximately 800 to 1000 m of track was damaged and 13 wagons were derailed. Of these, approx 6 remained upright, the other 6 or 7 were on their side, some down an embankment, and 2 or 3 were fouling the broad gauge line. The first derailed wagon was about 25th in the consist.
Final report
Executive summary
At approximately 2030 on 31 July 2008, freight train 5WX2 derailed near Winton, Vic. (between Glenrowan and Benalla). The derailment occurred about 10 track km north of Benalla. Thirteen freight wagons were derailed but there were no injuries.
The investigation concluded that both rolling stock and track related factors combined to increase the likelihood of a flange-climb derailment, although individually, these factors did not exceed the acceptable limits documented in the relevant standards.
The ATSB identified and recommended that action be taken to address a number of safety issues relating to:
- the documented process for inspection and assessment of track irregularities with consideration to the possibility for some rail vehicles to develop an undesirable harmonic response; and
- the condition of rolling stock suspension components.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | RO-2008-009 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 31/07/2008 |
| Location | near Winton |
| State | Victoria |
| Report release date | 21/12/2009 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Rail |
| Rail occurrence category | Derailment |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Train details
| Train number | Train 5WX2N |
|---|---|
| Type of operation | Freight Train |
| Departure point | Wollongong, NSW |
| Destination | Port Augusta, SA |
| Train damage | Substantial |