Derailment of Union Pacific Railroad unit freight train 6205 west near Kelso, California, January 12, 1997

"On January 12, 1997, the Union Pacific Railroad unit freight train 6205 west derailed on the Union Pacific Los Angeles Subdivision, milepost 238.7, near Kelso, California. While descending Cima Hill, the engineer inadvertently activated the multiple-unit engine shutdown switch, which shut down all the locomotive units' diesel engines and eliminated the units' dynamic braking capabilities. The train rapidly became a runaway, eventually reaching a speed of 72 mph, and derailed 68 of its 75 cars while exiting a siding near Kelso. No fatalities or injuries resulted. The safety issues discussed in this report are the placement of safety-critical locomotive cab controls, adequate train-speed safety margins for steep-grade railroads, and the criticality of dynamic braking systems. The report also discusses accurate car weight reporting, the power brake rulemaking process, and the use of air brake retainers."
"As a result of its investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board issued recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Association of American Railroads and the Union Pacific Railroad."

"Derailment of Union Pacific Railroad unit freight train 6205 west near Kelso, California, January 12, 1997"
"Derailment of Union Pacific Railroad unit freight train 6205 west near Kelso, California, January 12, 1997"@en
"Derailment of Union Pacific Railroad unit freight train 6205 West near Kelso, California January 12, 1997"@en