Preliminary report
Preliminary report released 4 December 2009
The information contained in this Preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and is derived from the ongoing investigation of the occurrence. Readers are cautioned that new evidence will become available as the investigation progresses that will enhance the ATSB's understanding of the accident as outlined in this Preliminary report. As such, no analysis or findings are included in this report.
Abstract
At about 0217 on Thursday 12 November 2009, train ST22, an XPT passenger service, was being pathed into the 'Platform Road' at Cootamundra, NSW. The driver of the XPT received a 'PROCEED' indication on signal CA74, signifying that the line into the Platform Road was clear. Shortly after passing over 136B points set reverse, the driver of the XPT observed the last wagon of freight train 4MB7 to be obstructing the path of his train. He made an emergency brake application and stopped his train just short of train 4MB7.
The driver of the XPT immediately contacted the ARTC Network Controller and advised of the problem. Shortly thereafter, the freight train was moved forward to clear a path for the XPT into the Platform Road.
Preliminary investigation of the event has determined that a signalling design irregularity affecting the 'Up Main Line' at Cootamundra allowed signal CA74 to be cleared for the passage of the XPT even though the route was obstructed by the last wagon of train 4MB7.
Final report
Executive summary
At about 0217 on Thursday 12 November 2009, train ST22, an XPT passenger service, was being routed into No.1 Platform Road at Cootamundra, New South Wales. The driver of the XPT received a Medium Turnout indication on signal CA74 signifying that the route into No.1 Platform Road was set and unobstructed. Shortly after passing over the Gundagai Road level crossing and traversing 136 points set into No.1 Platform Road, the driver of the XPT observed the last wagon of freight train 4MB7, located on the Up Main line, was obstructing the path of his train. He applied the train brakes and stopped just short of train 4MB7.
The driver of the XPT immediately contacted the network controller and advised him of the problem. Shortly thereafter the freight train was moved forward, at the request of the network controller, to clear a path for the XPT into No.1 Platform Road.
The investigation determined that a signalling system design error allowed signal CA74 to be cleared for the passage of the XPT even though the route into No.1 Platform Road was obstructed by the last vehicle of freight train 4MB7 which was stationary on the adjacent Up Main line.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has determined that actions taken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) should mitigate the risk of a similar occurrence but has identified further issues relating to signal design, installation and commissioning where further action may enhance the strategies already put in place by the ARTC.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | RO-2009-009 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 12/11/2009 |
| Location | Cootamundra |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 20/01/2011 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Rail |
| Rail occurrence category | Signal Irregularity |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Train details
| Train number | Train ST22 |
|---|---|
| Type of operation | Passenger Train |
| Departure point | Melbourne, Vic |
| Destination | Sydney, NSW |
| Train damage | Nil |
Train details
| Train number | 4MB7 |
|---|---|
| Type of operation | Freight train |
| Departure point | Melbourne, Vic |
| Destination | Brisbane, Qld |
| Train damage | Nil |