travel, no passenger accountability system could be perfect. The NTSB concluded that the eTicketing system is the best one possible, given current logistics and technology, and classified Safety Recommendation R-03-10 "Closed—Acceptable Alternate Action."
The NTSB is pleased that the eTicketing system worked well in this accident. Accountability for passengers was significantly improved when compared to the difficulties encountered after the Crescent City accident.
1.10 Factors Not Contributing to This Accident
The locomotive and the passenger cars passed postaccident mechanical inspections. A review of preaccident testing and maintenance records did not reveal any defects. Although it was night, the weather at the time of the accident was clear with good visibility. The engineer did not recall or report the locomotive being struck by an object prior to the derailment, and FBI testing showed no evidence of ballistic material. Postaccident toxicological tests for crewmembers were negative for alcohol and other drugs. Postaccident testing and examination of the engineer did not identify any medical conditions that would have interfered with train operation. There was no evidence of cell phone use by the engineer during the accident trip. Further, the on-duty/off-duty schedule provided adequate time for the employees to obtain rest.
Investigators examined the records for track inspections and maintenance. The undamaged track was examined during the on-scene investigation. The track was inspected and maintained within regulatory standards, and no track anomalies were discovered after the derailment.
The NTSB concludes that none of the following was a factor in this accident: the mechanical condition of the train; a foreign object striking the locomotive; the condition of the track; the weather; medical conditions of the Amtrak engineer; alcohol, other drugs, or any other type of impairment; cell phone use; and fatigue.
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