2 killed in a fiery crash of a a Silvaire Luscombe 8A plane near the Creswell Airport, Oregon

 

 Silvaire Luscombe 8A plane similar to the one that crashed

 

Grandfather, grandson die in Creswell plane crash

Witnesses said the plane burst into flames around 10 a.m.

The Associated Press Published: September 7, 2015

Two people died in a small plane crash shortly after taking off from the Creswell Airport, Sept. 7, 2015 (Courtesy: KEZI)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — 

A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff from an Oregon airport on Labor Day, killing two people.

Witnesses said the plane burst into flames around 10 a.m. Rescuers found it burning in a field near the runway at the Creswell Airport, 15 miles south of Eugene.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot as 35-year-old Milo Skinner of Springfield and the lone passenger as 83-year-old Hal Skinner of Springfield. Hal Skinner owned the plane his grandson was piloting.

Sheriff’s Lt. Chris Doyle says the aircraft reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff and was trying to return to the airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board identified the two-seat plane as a Silvaire Luscombe 8A.

The airport located east of Interstate 5 is owned and operated by the city of Creswell.

Date:	07-SEP-2015
Time:	10:00
Type:	Luscombe 8A Silvaire
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N4948E
C/n / msn:	6388
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Airplane damage:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Hobby Field Airport (77S), Creswell, OR -   United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Unknown
Departure airport:	Hobby Field (77S)
Destination airport:

Narrative:
The aircraft impacted open field terrain shortly after takeoff from Hobby Field Airport (77S), Creswell, Oregon. The airplane was partially consumed by the post-impact fire and the two occupants onboard received fatal injuries. Sources: 
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179364 http://koin.com/2015/09/07/2-die-in-small-plane-crash-in-creswell/
http://www.kezi.com/news/Plane_Crash_Near_Creswell_Airport.html
http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/SLFR-confirms-two-people-dead-after-plane-crash-near-Creswell--325448131.html?mobile=y
http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33481396-75/fatal-plane-crash-at-creswell-airport.html.csp
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=4948E

N-Number: N4948E

Information Updated 09/02/2015

Aircraft Description

N-Number	N4948E
Serial Number	6388	Status	Valid
Manufacturer Name	SILVAIRE	Certificate Issue Date	10/27/2011
Model	LUSCOMBE 8A	Expiration Date	10/31/2017
Type Aircraft	Fixed Wing Single Engine	Type Engine	Reciprocating
Pending Number Change		Dealer
Date Change Authorized		Mode S Code (base 8 / octal)	51421151
MFR Year		Mode S Code (base 16 / hex)	A62269
Type Registration	Individual	Fractional Owner	No

Registered Owner

Name	SKINNER HAL W JR
Street	5788 E ST
City	SPRINGFIELD	State	OR
County	LANE COUNTY	Zip Code	97478-6952
Country	US

Airworthiness

Engine Manufacturer	CONT MOTOR	A/W Date
Engine Model	A&C65 SERIES	Classification	Standard
		Category

Other Owner Names None

3 killed after a fiery 1981 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza plane crash under unknown circumstances in Walkertown northeast of Smith Reynolds Airport (KINT), Winston Salem, North Carolina

1981 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza planes similar to the one that crashed

 


David Rolfe/Journal

Forsyth County Sheriff, fire, and rescue units responded to a small plane crash at the Vulcan East Forsyth Quarry south of Kernersville. Access to the quarry was shut down to all non-emergency traffic.
 







Posted: Monday, September 7, 2015 1:02 pm

By Danielle Battaglia danielle.battaglia@greensboro.com


Updated at 6:13 p.m.

HIGH POINT — Before a single engine plane crashed into a Forsyth County rock quarry killing the three people on board the pilot told the control tower at Piedmont Airport International Airport that he or she was disoriented and couldn't find the airport.

Peter Knudson, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, confirmed that the pilot who flew a Beechcraft A36 from Sarasota, Fla. to PTI contacted the control tower right before crashing into the Vulcan Materials East Forsyth Quarry at 2866 Highway 66 near Kernersville Monday.

"The pilot was talking to air traffic controllers on approach into Greensboro and indicated he was having trouble," Knudson said. "The pilot reported being disoriented and was having a difficult time locating the airport."

He crashed right afterwards.

Kevin Baker, the airport's executive director, confirmed the control tower's communication with the pilot.

"What sounds like happened is the pilot was unable to tell the tower what the problem was but said they had a problem and within the next few moments is when the crash occurred," Baker said.

Knudson said the passengers died during the accident.

"It (the plane) immediately went up in flames," said John McCollum, a telecommunicator with Forsyth EMS.

The victims names have not been released.

Knudson said the agency yields to local authorities to release that information.

Knudson said an investigator with the NTSB will arrive at the crash site to investigate Tuesday. The initial investigation should three days with a report available in 10 days, but the full investigation won't be completed for nearly 12 months.

HIGH POINT — Three people died after a single engine plane crashed into a rock quarry in southeastern Forsyth County Monday afternoon, WGHP (Fox 8) reported.

Peter Knudson with the NTSB confirmed to the TV station there were three people on the flight that traveled from Sarasota, Fla. to Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro Monday.

The victims names have not been released.

The airport's executive director Kevin Baker said the pilot communicated with the airport's tower right before crashing.

"What sounds like happened is the pilot was unable to tell the tower what the problem was but said they had a problem and within the new few moments is when the crash occurred," Baker said.

Forsyth EMS began receiving calls about the crash, which happened at the Vulcan Materials East Forsyth Quarry located at 2866 Highway 66 South near Kernersville, at approximately 12:06 p.m.

"It immediately went up in flames," said John McCollum, a telecommunicator with Forsyth County EMS.

The National Transportation Safety Board posted on Twitterfeed the agency was investigating the crash which involved a Beechcraft A36.

Updated at 3:30 p.m.

HIGH POINT — Right before a plane crashed into a rock quarry in southeastern Forsyth County the pilot contacted the control tower at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro to report an emergency.

The airport's executive director Kevin Baker confirmed the pilot's communication with the tower before the crash.

"What sounds like happened is the pilot was unable to tell the tower what the problem was but said they had a problem and within the next few moments is when the crash occurred," Baker said.

Calls about the crash, located at the Vulcan Materials East Forsyth Quarry located at 2866 Highway 66 South near Kernerserville, came into Forsyth EMS at approximately 12:06 p.m. Monday.

It wasn't clear how many people were on the plane.

"It immediately went up in flames," said John McCollum, a telecommunicator with Forsyth County EMS.

Baker and investigators weren't sure if the plane planned to fly into the airport or if he took off from the airport prior to the emergency.

No other details were immediately available.

KERNERSVILLE — Paramedics and investigators are responding to a single engine plane crash that happened in Kernersville shortly after noon Monday .

Paramedics don't know how many people were on board the plane.

"It immediately went up in flames," said John McCollum, a telecommunicator with Forsyth County EMS.

The crash happened at Vulcan Materials East Forsyth Quarry located at 2866 Highway 66 South in Kernersville.

Telecommunicators with both Forsyth County EMS and Piedmont Triad International Airport confirmed the pilot contacted the Federal Aviation Administration tower at the airport before crashing.

Neither knew the nature of the pilot's communication.

"I've heard reports that he (the pilot) contacted our tower to try and land but I can't verify that right now," said Kevin Baker, the airport's executive director. "We're still trying to figure out what went on."

It's unclear whether the plane took off from the airport or was in route to Greensboro prior to the crash.

No other details were immediately available.

Date:	07-SEP-2015
Time:	12:06
Type:	1981 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza
Owner/operator:	Central Penn Aviation Academy Inc
Registration:	N36HT
C/n / msn:	E-1986
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Other fatalities:	0
Airplane damage:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Walkertown NW of Kernersville, Forsyth County, NC -   United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Sarasota/Bradenton Intl (KSRQ)
Destination airport:	Piedmont Triad Intl (KGSO)

Narrative:
The plane crashed under unknown circumstances in Walkertown northeast of Smith Reynolds Airport (KINT), Winston Salem, North Carolina, and was destroyed by fire. The three occupants onboard the airplane received fatal injuries. Sources: 
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179357 http://myfox8.com/2015/09/07/plane-crashes-in-forsyth-county/
http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/small-plane-crashes-in-forsyth-county/article_06f52327-f01f-5a24-9a5e-6f5ada113ea7.html
http://www.wfmynews2.com/story/news/local/2015/09/07/single-engine-plane-crashes-forsyth-county/71840136/
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N36HT/history/20150907/1208Z/KSRQ/KGSO
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N36HT

5 killed after a 1963 Cessna 310H plane crashed in a remote mountainous region of Colorado

1963 Cessna 310H planes similar to the one that crashed 


'No Survivors Expected' in Small Plane Crash in San Juan County, Colorado

by Elisha Fieldstadt

SEPTEMBER 6, 2015


A small plane crash in a remote mountainous region of Colorado likely killed everyone on board, authorities said Monday.

The Cessna 310 crashed Sunday in the San Juan Mountains, near Telluride, Colorado, National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson told NBC News.

The NTSB originally said five people were on the twin-engine aircraft when it went down about 4:35 p.m. (6:35 p.m.), but the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, which sent crews to the scene with Colorado National Guardsmen, said four people were on board.

"No survivors expected," the sheriff's office wrote on a Twitter account that a sheriff's office spokeswoman confirmed was operated by county officials. The remains of all of the passengers were extricated from the crash site by Monday afternoon, the sheriff's office said.


All rescuers safely out of the field, and bringing home the remains of all passengers! Investigation in the hands of the NTSB now.— SjcColoradoSheriff (@sjccolorado) September 7, 2015

The victims of the crash had not yet been identified, Knudson said. He said the confusion about the number of people on board might be the result of an inaccurate flight plan filed with the Federal Aviation Administration.

A Cessna 310 en route from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Amarillo, Texas, was reported overdue by a relative of someone on the plane Sunday, FAA spokesman Ian Gregor told NBC News. Gregor said the FAA had not yet confirmed that the crashed plane and the plane headed for Texas were the same.

Investigators with the NTSB and FAA were expected to arrive at the crash site Monday night, Gregor said. 

Date:	06-SEP-2015
Time:	Afternoon
Type:	1963 Cessna 310H
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N1099Q
C/n / msn:	310H0099
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 5
Other fatalities:	0
Airplane damage:	Unknown
Location:	Near Ironton, east of Telluride, CO -   United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Unknown
Departure airport:	Flagstaff Pulliam (KFLG)
Destination airport:	Tucumcari Muni (KTCC)

Narrative:
The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain in San Juan County near Ironton, Colorado. The airplane sustained unreported damage and at present the occupant number is five onboard having received fatal injuries. Sources: 
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179350 http://www.9news.com/story/news/local/2015/09/06/missing-plane-barstow-telluride-cap/71823226/
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/searchers-find-plane-wreckage-in-remote-mountain-area-of-san-juan-county-
http://www.denverpost.com/environment/ci_28771604/no-survivors-expected-sw-colorado-small-plane-crash
http://www.nbc11news.com/home/headlines/Civil-Air-Patrol-is-called-out-to-search-for-missing-aircraft-near-Telluride-325180781.html?device=tablet&c=y
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=1099Q
http://www.nbc11news.com/home/headlines/Civil-Air-Patrol-is-called-out-to-search-for-missing-aircraft-near-Telluride-325180781.html?device=tablet&c=

Aircraft Registration (N1099Q)

Aircraft Summary
Summary	Owner	Airworthiness	Serial Number
1963 CESSNA 310H Fixed wing multi engine (6 seats / 2 engines)	RAGGIO HAROLD NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA (Individual)	Standard/Normal	310H0099
Engine	Weight	Speed	Mode S Code
CONT MOTOR I0-470 SERIES Horsepower: 260 (Reciprocating)	Less than 12,500lbs	167mph	50024705 / A029C5

Registration Details
Status	Certificate Issue Date	Airworthiness Date	Last Action Date	Expiration
Assigned	2014-08-15	1963-06-07	2014-08-15	2017-08-31

Registration History
Date	Owner	Location
15-Aug-2014	RAGGIO HAROLD	NEWBERRY SPRINGS CA
29-Jan-2011	AIRCAPITAL NEVADA INC	CARSON CITY NV
29-Aug-2009	AWOTONA OLAJIDE A	BIRMINGHAM AL
08-Sep-2006	AIRLEASE NEVADA LLC	CARSON CITY NV
02-Jun-2006	AIR AMERICA INC	CHEYENNE WY

Coast Guard suspends search for person in the water near Catalina Island after boat collision that killed 1 and injured 3

Sep 7th, 2015

 

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing boater near Catalina Island a quarter-mile northeast of Casino Point at about 7 p.m., Sunday.

At 1:21a.m., Sunday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Long Beach Command Center received a report from a good Samaritan that a dingy with five people aboard collided with another vessel near Descanso Bay. One passenger aboard the dingy was confirmed deceased, three passengers were injured, and one person was reported missing.
Search and rescue resources were:

• A 45-foot Response Boat — Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles;
• A HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles;
• Surface assets from Baywatch Isthmus, Baywatch Avalon and Avalon Harbor Patrol.

A helicopter crew from the Los Angeles County Fire Department medically evacuated the three injured boaters to the University of California Los Angeles medical center. Two of the boaters were reported to have minor injuries, and one was reported to have a head injury.

If anyone has information on the location of the missing boater, please call the Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach Command Center at (310) 521-3801.

Coast Guard responds to unmanned, partially submerged boat near Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Sep 7th, 2015

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard responded to a report of an unmanned, partially submerged boat about a half mile offshore of Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Monday.

If you have any information regarding the ownership of this boat, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call from a good Samaritan aboard the tour boat Holokai, at 8:18 a.m., reporting the situation.
The vessel was towed into the Ala Wai Boat Harbor by good Samaritans aboard another vessel, the motor vessel Kalei.

There were no signs distress or reports of missing persons. No sheen was reported.

Vessel owners are reminded to properly secure small craft in harbors, marinas and on beaches to prevent them being washed out to sea in high surf and storm conditions.

Coast Guard responds to Carnival Liberty cruise ship fire in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin islands

Sep 7th, 2015 

 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico

Coast Guard marine safety investigators are responding Monday to a fire aboard the Carnival Liberty cruise ship in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The cruise ship was carrying 3,346 passengers and 1,150 crew; no injuries were reported.

At approximately 11:45 a.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center received a report from the Carnival Liberty of a fire in the cruise ship’s aft engine room while it was moored in St. Thomas.

The Carnival Liberty crew reported that the fire had been extinguished by cruise ship’s CO2 and Hi-Fog fire suppression systems and that all passengers and non-essential crew had been safely disembarked.

Marine safety investigators and inspectors from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Saint Thomas are currently on scene with the Carnival Liberty to assess the damage and determine cause of the fire.

4 firefighters injured in 2-alarm blaze in Jersey City after a stairway gave way

Four firefighters were injured battling a blaze at 22 Clinton Ave. in Jersey City that erupted early Sept. 6, 2015. Five adults and a child were also displaced. Sept. 6, 2015. LeRoy Applin | For The Jersey Journal
The Jersey Journal

By Ken Thorbourne | The Jersey Journal
 
on September 06, 2015





JERSEY CITY, NJ

Four Jersey City firefighters sustained non-threatening injuries early this morning as they battled a two-alarm fire at 22 Clinton Ave. shortly after midnight, a city spokeswoman says.

The fire at the three-story residential building near Crescent Avenue also displaced five adults and one child, city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill says.

The blaze erupted just after midnight and was brought under control shortly after 1 a.m..

There was heavy fire on the top two floors of the building. The fire was so severe the interior stairway started to give way, causing one of the firefighters to fall one story from the stairs onto another firefighter, Morrill says.

A "may day" was called during the fire as three firefighters with injuries were reported trapped in the building. However, all were safely evacuated and a total of four firefighters were transported to the Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health, Morrill says.

One firefighter sustained a broken finger, another a sprained knee and ankle, another neck and back injuries, and the other shoulder and elbow injuries, she says.

One civilian was treated at the scene, but refused further medical attention. The Red Cross assisted in relocating the five adults and child and the cause of the fire is under investigation, Morrill says.

HOW TO PREVENT AN OVERHEATED BOILER OR FURNACE INCIDENT

HOW TO PREVENT AN OVERHEATED BOILER OR FURNACE INCIDENT

https://sites.google.com/site/metroforensics3/cause-and-contributing-factors-of-heating-boiler-failure





Explosion of an overheated boiler

We received quite a few inquiries regarding the prevention of the overheating of a boiler or furnace that could lead to an explosion. If you have baseboard heating system in your home, then you do have a water heating boiler system like the one we describe in this blog. We briefly address this issue as a service to the communities we serve.

An overheated boiler is where the heating unit reaches an exceedingly high temperature and pressure, and the high temperature and pressure safety switches will not operate. This condition, also known as “runaway boiler”, is very hazardous to building occupants and emergency responders, including the neighbors. It is caused by the concurrent failures of redundant safety controls that maintain safe temperature, pressure, gas supply (if the boiler is a gas unit), and water supply. 
When boilers or furnaces overheat, it can cause a failure of the safety controls that are attached or very close to the body of the boiler. The failure of the safety controls will most definitely cause an explosion of the boiler. See images above and below.




Exploded boiler on its side


There are several types of boilers and furnaces available: hot water boilers, steam boilers, warm air furnaces. These are briefly described below.


Basic Components of a Hot Water Boiler


The basic components of a hot water boiler are (refer to the attached schematic):


· A gas valve where the fuel comes in


· Water feed gate valve and the associated pressure relief valve (PRV)


· The water circulator pump


· The pressure relief valve


· The air vent


· The Aquastat control that is used to regulate the water temperature


· The expansion tank


· The drain valve


· The vent flue


· The burners


· The pressure and temperature gauges/control valves





The water heating boiler operates as follows:


The boiler is filled up with water and maintains 12 PSI (pounds per square inch) water pressure. The air is bled out of the system zones. The circulator pump will not move water through the baseboard loops if air is in the system. The expansion tank maintains system pressure and absorbs water expansion and contraction from heating and cooling.





How water boilers risk over-pressurization when there is a failure of the pressure relief valve and at least one other safety control. The boilers are connected to closed piping systems with the potential to build up excessive pressures when water temperatures rise without control beyond the safe operating range which is up to 250 degrees F. The typical maximum operating pressure of a residential boiler is 20 PSI. For an industrial boiler, the max operating pressure is 50 PSI. Pressures that continue to rise above the above safety ratings can result in a violent explosion when the boiler vessel fails.


Based on our forensic investigations, the boiler failure incidents occurred when safety controls failed to operate as designed due to mechanical failure (i.e., aquastat shorting out, damaged wiring, or failed gas valve). Other causes of failure include human intervention events, including: removing or adding a pressure relief valve to stop water leaks; wiring errors; opening a gas valve in bypass (manual) mode.


A “Dry Fire Boiler” condition can occur when burners fail to shut off and the relief valve opens to release excessive pressure. The remaining water in the system can boil away if water supply to the PRV is shut off or the PRV is stuck closed. Without water, the boiler can reach extreme temperatures. See image below of an overheated firebox of a boiler that was heating without water.






You should never introduce water in an overheated boiler. If cooler water is introduced, it flashes into steam when it comes into contact with the heated surfaces inside the boiler. This “flash steam” significantly increases the pressure in the boiler as the steam energy is released. This reaction can result in a cracked boiler or violent explosion.


Owners of Flooded Homes Beware: It is very important to note that the heating controls exposed to flood water can fail after being dried and placed back in operation. Any controls exposed to flood water must always be replaced.

_____________________________________________________________


Did you know?


NEVER ADD WATER TO AN OVERHEATED BOILER. WATER COULD FLASH INTO STEAM AND CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH


_____________________________________________________________

Steam Boiler


The basic components of a steam boiler are as follows:


· The combination gas valve, regulator and shut-off cock


· The low water cutoff switch


· The water level sight glass


· The pressure limit control


· The temperature and pressure relief valve


· The exhaust vent damper


· The electronic ignition


· The access door to the burners/pilot






Steam boilers can become over-pressurized when there is a failure of the pressure relief valve and at least one other control. Although the steam boiler is connected to an open piping system with radiators at the endpoints, the radiator air vents close at normal operating temperatures. Excessive pressure will build up if the gas valve or safety controls fail. Boiler pressures that exceed 15 PSI due to a failure of the PRV can result in a violent explosion when the boiler vessel fails.


Investigated boiler failure incidents took place when safety controls failed to operate as designed due to mechanical failure (i.e., blocked siphon tube (“pigtail”), failed gas valve, defective low level cutoff (LWCO) or though human intervention. Some examples of human intervention are: removing and adding a PRV to stop water leaks, wiring errors, opening a gas valve in bypass (manual mode).

As we said earlier, the leading cause of boiler failure is the low water condition caused by failure of the LWCO device. The following factors can lead to a breakdown or malfunctioning of the LWCO.







Float Type LWCO w/ Manual Reset (Steam or Water Boiler)

· Mineral deposits (calcium, etc.) typically contained in the water cause fouling of the device.


· Improper or faulty wiring, either permanent or during testing are causing malfunctioning of the LWCO.


· Normal wear and tear of the device can lead to failure.


· Luck or proper maintenance such as purging.


· Loss of Water due to leaks in piping, steam traps, etc.





LWCO switch stuck in the up position. This led to a boiler overheating, introduction of water into the overheated boiler, steam flashing and subsequent explosion


Warm Air Furnace


If you have a typical HVAC system, then you have a warm air furnace as part of the system. The basic components of a warm air furnace include:


· The gas valve


· The gas burners


· The blower and blower motor


· The furnace chamber


· The blower fan and limit control


· The gas shut off valve


· The heat exchanger


· The pilot assembly of hot surface ignitor


· The thermocouple or flame sensor

A warm air furnace is at risk of overheating when gas control failures produce temperatures exceeding the maximum design. An overheated furnace is a fire hazard and may crack, allowing carbon monoxide to enter the building through the duct work. For HVAC installations, if an A/C coil fails due to soft solder melting when high temperatures or fire compromises the system, potentially lethal toxic gas can be created. As with the other boilers, any controls exposed to flood water must always be replaced.


In a boiler explosion incident, the homeowner was experiencing trouble with the boiler ignition system, and switched the automatic gas valve to manual operation. The constant flow of gas into the boiler led to a significant increase in temperature and pressure that caused an overheating (runaway) condition. Fifteen minutes after the heating unit was turned on, the boiler exploded.





Pieces of the boiler scattered in the basement






Automatic gas valve was switched “ON” to manual operation, feeding the boiler with a steady flow of gas. This led to the overheating and subsequent explosion of the boiler. This particular boiler had no means to relieve pressure after overheating.

Several months prior to the explosion, the customer had a combination pressure reducing (water feed) valve and pressure relief valve control replaced. When the servicing company performed the repair, the combination valve was replaced with only a pressure reducing (water feed) valve. As a result, the boiler no longer had a relief valve to relieve excess pressure. Whenever a combination valve is replaced with a single pressure reducing (water feed) valve, a separate relief valve must also be installed. Boilers are equipped with designated tap holes for inserting a separate pressure relief valve.

In another incident, a homeowner had a thermal expansion tank installed on the supply line to the hot water boiler. The new expansion tank was erroneously connected to the outlet of the pressure relief valve, plugging it. The boiler had no way of relieving pressure and created a “runaway” condition.





Note the expansion tank erroneously connected to the outlet of the PRV valve. This was the cause of boiler explosion.

Based on the thousands of boiler maintenance, repairs and failure investigations we conducted over the years, we can tell you with certainty that the leading cause of heating boiler failure is low water. Most of the time, the low water fuel cutout safety switch has failed and this led to the overheating and failure of the boilers. There are always early sign of boiler failure, if you know where to look and how to interpret them. For example, small leaks could appear in the boiler vessel or the piping. These water leaks may not look serious, but they should never be ignored as they will most certainly lead into greater problems. Most of the time, some low cost items, such as a pressure relief valve, are defective or are old and need replacement. If they are not replaced, significant losses could occur.

If an insurer has refused to insurer your boiler, then this should be a good clue that it is time to replace it or repair it. Insurers, like The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, Travelers, and others have a very good handle on boiler safety. When they stay away from a piece of equipment, please take the hint.





Above is a photo of a valve that was installed incorrectly. In fact, the inlet and outlet were stamped on the valve, so there is no excuse for such error. Mistakes are more frequent than you think. It is that our inspections help caught them prior to any damage occurring.



Why Boiler Failures can be Dangerous


Water boils at atmospheric pressure at 100o C (212o F). When placed under pressure, the water can be heated to extremes without flashing to steam. The typical expansion rate for 1 cubic foot of water is 1,700 cubic feet of steam. This amazing expansion rate is the reason that the boiler explosions are so powerful. Imagine this amount of steam to exit from a small pipe break under tremendous pressures. The routinely inspected water heater holds 119 gallons (16 cubic feet) of water. It is really a small bomb due to this massive energy release; in the past (during the industrial revolution between the 1800s and early 1900s) thousands of people died from such explosions. See below the results from a failed relief valve.





Boiler Inspection and Maintenance


The following provide important recommendations for heating boiler inspection, maintenance, and operation prior to the heating season. Low pressure boilers are inspected annually while in operation and internally every 3 years, if construction permits:


1. Perform an external exam for leaks. Many times we find that the leakage is caused by failure to remove hardness from inside the boiler; then the hardness expands during boiler heating, pushing apart the boiler sections and causing leakage.


2. Perform an evaluation of all safety device function.


3. Test all high temperature and high pressure switches.


4. Insulate water lines that are exposed to freezing temperatures to avoid pipe freeze-ups. Quite a few of these freeze ups occurred this past winter and another round of equally severe winter is forecast. We have our fingers crossed.


5. The safety relief valves or devices are crucial devices that must be tested very frequently, ideally every month. A malfunctioning safety valve will cause the boiler fail. If the relief valve does not properly function, then the temperature control will fail to properly control temperature. The water heater will heat unchecked until catastrophic failure occurs.


6. All other valves, gauges, pressure and temperature control instruments must be inspected for proper functioning.


7. Due to constituents found in the water, we get sediment built up pretty much everywhere in the boiler, including the sight (or gage) glass used to observe the water level. The water level sight glass should be cleaned from the accumulated water impurities and scale.


8. Disassemble the low water fuel cutoff and make-up water feeding devices. All parts should be thoroughly flushed, cleaned and reconditioned as required, then tested and evaluated before the boiler is put into regular service. While in service the devices should be tested once a week for steam boilers and once a month for hot water boilers.


9. All leaking pipes, valves, connections, etc. must be repaired or replaced to prevent water loss and property damage.


10. The boiler burner should be cleaned and adjusted to provide maximum burning efficiency.


11. All the internal surfaces of the boiler should be cleaned of all the water impurities that accumulate over time. These impurities inside the boiler are the cause of corrosion, cracking, deterioration and even explosion of the boiler.


12. A chemical water treatment should be used to minimize built-up of scale and other deposits and to slow down or minimize corrosion.


13. Ensure that all other equipment associated with the boiling system work properly.


14. Maintain a record book of boiler operation, maintenance or repairs. Some boilers have failed because technicians did not know what another tech had done to the boiler.

Regarding pressure vessels, most mechanical codes require that are inspected once every three years. This inspection requires a test of:


· Safety relief devices


· Temperature and pressure controls


· External exam to check for leaks


· Testing to verify thickness of the vessel body


We commonly see leaking and corroded boilers during many of our inspections, especially for older boilers. Unfortunately, even with a regular inspection program, people just ignore proper maintenance and operation. Just like our cars, some people are good at maintaining and some people are simply bad. We also observe leaking steam from the spindle, and many steam and water connections are also found leaking. The mud drums are another area where we observe corrosion and leakage. See figure below.








We have seen situations where there is very little monitoring of boilers in schools and municipalities on a regular basis, other than the inspector doing his annual inspection. This has led to leaks and other problems with the boiler efficiency and operation. As we wrote in the beginning, the most frequently found deficiencies are associated with the low water fuel cut offs, safety and relief valves are stuck, and high pressure and temperature switches are not often installed.

 It appears that the boiler owners believe that the service technician who may maintain their boiler will also test for the operation of the safety devices. We have found that this is not true, as the technician will only perform the service of the combustion and burner fuel systems, change the fuel filters, clean the fuel pumps and nozzles, check the igniter, vacuum the gas passes of the boiler, perform an efficiency test of the unit, etc.


Metropolitan Engineering, Consulting & Forensics (MECF)



Providing Competent, Expert and Objective Investigative Engineering and Consulting Services

P.O. Box 520
Tenafly, NJ 07670-0520
Tel.: (973) 897-8162
Fax: (973) 810-0440
E-mail: metroforensics@gmail.com
Web pages: https://sites.google.com/site/metropolitanforensics/
https://sites.google.com/site/metropolitanenvironmental/
https://sites.google.com/site/metroforensics3/
We are happy to announce the launch of our twitter account. Please make sure to follow us at @MetropForensics or @metroforensics

Metropolitan appreciates your business.
Feel free to recommend our services to your friends and colleagues.

ANTI-CONCURRENT CAUSATION EXCLUSIONS. A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION IS CRUCIAL TO GOOD CLAIMS HANDLING

ANTI-CONCURRENT CAUSATION EXCLUSIONS. A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION IS CRUCIAL TO GOOD CLAIMS HANDLING

https://sites.google.com/site/metropolitanforensics/anti-concurrent-causation-exclusions-a-comprehensive-investigation-is-crucial-to-good-claims-handling

Many claims raise questions concerning the cause of the loss and the application of anti-concurrent causation exclusions. The  courts in a number of  jurisdictions have developed different approaches to identify the cause of a loss for purposes of determining coverage.  

Furthermore, the law regarding the application of anti-concurrent causation language is not equally developed in all states.  These differences in the law give rise to a number of questions concerning the positions that the parties will take regarding the cause of damage and which jurisdiction’s law will apply to any storm claims.  

The specific policy language in question must be compared to the facts of the loss and often further legal research must be done to determine if there is additional precedent that would govern your specific situation.  The proximate efficient cause of a loss requires a different analysis under the laws of the various states. 

The New York causation analysis looks to the proximate, efficient and dominant cause of the loss.  The New Jersey courts differ: they look to whether the first or last step in the chain of causation resulting in the loss was a covered event. 

 Connecticut courts employ a train of events test that looks to the first event in the chain of causation.

Nevertheless, it is Metropolitan’s experience that there is no substitute for a thorough and comprehensive inspection of the structures to determine the number of conditions that caused the loss and whether the conditions worked independently, concurrently, or in a sequence to cause the damage.

A comprehensive investigation is crucial to good claims handling.  Our clients require prompt and thorough claims investigation and fact finding and Metropolitan delivers high quality services at a highly competitive price. 

Metropolitan has first-hand experience with a wide range of industries—from remediation contractors and environmental consultants to chemical companies and pipeline operators.  Working closely with our clients, Metropolitan has successfully assisted in multi-million dollar environmental and toxic tort litigations and mediations and in construction-related claims.  We have also overseen Superfund, Natural Resource and Brownfield remediation claims.  Metropolitan understands the sensitivities and concerns on all sides and takes a reasonable and thorough approach to claims, as directed by our clients. 

Metropolitan also provides risk control services, helping our clients protect themselves against accidents and other risks.  Our expertise comes from first-hand experience, as well as continuous learning, which ensures that we remain current with the latest in construction methods, environmental science, regulations, compliance standards and loss experience.

Whether you are an insurance adjuster, contractor or a property owner, we can quickly and accurately assess damages.

What Metropolitan can provide for you:

• Roof Condition Assessments
• Cause of roof leaks and water penetration
• Cause of chimney discoloration
• Cause of blistering, cracking and/or separation of rooftop coverings or membranes
• Evaluation of damage to roof components such as HVAC units, skylights, and gutters
• Itemized reports of necessary repairs for cost effective remediation
• Structural assessments of roof framing and ceiling rafters

Storm Damage Analysis

• Snow, hail, wind and ice build-up loss claim evaluations
• Analysis and assessment of roof damage and/or roof replacement due to storms
• Assessment of roof failure or collapse as a result of accumulated loads, additional weight or snow drift

Civil and Structural Engineering

Metropolitan has extensive experience in civil and structural engineering evaluation. Our Registered Professional Engineers have evaluated thousands of structures since 1976.  We investigate failures and accidents, provide oral or written reports of findings, and provide courtroom testimony when required. We have investigated damage caused by hurricanes, tornados, floods, fires, construction defects, soil subsidence and long term neglect.

Our experience includes evaluations of homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, marine terminals and historic structures. Our areas of specific expertise include residential and commercial roofing, foundations, building envelopes, water intrusion, construction defect evaluation, and premises liability evaluations.

• Moisture Intrusion
• Roof Collapse
• Pool Failures
• Humidifier Failures
• Mold Assessments in Attic and other spaces
• Storm Damage Assessments
• Hurricane Damage
• Tornado Damage
• Construction Defects
• Thermal Imaging
• Slip and Falls
• Construction Vibration
• Hail Damage
• Flood Damage Assessments
• Resident Inspection Services
• Foundation Damage Assessment
• Retaining Wall Damage Assessment
• Stucco Damage Assessment
• Roadway and Sidewalk Claims
• Interior Finishes
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Marine Facilities
• Basement Evaluation

METROPOLITAN PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND FORENSIC SERVICES

P.O. Box 0520

Tenafly, NJ 07670-0520

Tel.:  (973) 897-8162
Fax:  (973) 810-0440
E-mail: metroforensics@gmail.com