COAL MINE FATALITY - On December 19, 1995, a material person was
operating a diesel 5th wheel material hauler with a passenger on board. The
miner was steering the hauler down an 8-10% grade surface haulage road with
the hauler in neutral. As the hauler's speed increased, the miner apparently put
the transmission in 1st gear. Investigators believe that the hauler was traveling at
a speed greater than the upper-limit speed for 1st gear, consequently, the engine
rpm elevated above the rated capacity and the hauler slowed almost to a stop.
This action apparently caused the engine to shutdown. When the engine stopped,
the hauler lost hydraulic pressure for steering control and braking. At this point,
the passenger jumped out of the hauler. The hauler continued down the haulage
road, struck the guardrail and jack-knifed. The machine operator either jumped
or was thrown out of the hauler and fell beneath the trailer wheels. Investigators
determined that the nitrogen/hydraulic accumulator system, which provides
emergency hydraulic pressure for steering and braking, was not adequately
maintained.
This is the 45th coal mine fatality in 1995. As of December 19, of last year there
had been 44 fatalities. This death is the 16th classified as POWERED
HAULAGE in 1995.
Photograph of the accident scene
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL95C45]