Investigations
Aerial Fire Apparatus Cable Failure
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE13017 - closed, opened 2013-05-22.
NHTSA investigation PE13017 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2013-05-22 and currently closed. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2013-11-19 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE13017 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On May 22, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate an alleged failure of an aerial ladder bucket on a subject vehicle while in operation. The failure occurre..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time.
Investigation Summary
On May 22, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to investigate an alleged failure of an aerial ladder bucket on a subject vehicle while in operation. The failure occurred during a public relations event at a fire station while four civilians and one firefighter were being elevated in the aerial ladder bucket. Once the ladder was fully extended at a 45 degree angle, the ladder component of the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. This resulted in the ladder retracting rapidly into its bedded position. This sudden stoppage caused multiple injuries to all five of the occupants within the aerial ladder bucket. Sutphen concluded that the main cables were worn. The bearings in the sheaves used in the extend/retract the system had seized and prevented the sheaves from rotating. The cables sliding over the non-moving sheaves resulted in excessive wear and reduced load carrying capacity. Failure of the extend/retract system can result in either the aerial becoming inoperable or cause it to unexpectedly retract. This movement could result in damage to the vehicle and/or injuries to personnel on or around the vehicle. Sutphen is conducting a voluntary Safety Recall (13V-565) to address the safety concerns with the aerial ladder. As part of the remedy, Sutphen will inspect each vehicle for worn parts and will provide detailed instructions for vehicle owners on how to inspect and maintain the aerial ladder portion of the fire apparatus.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.