NTSB issues SA‑105 alert
The NTSB released Safety Alert SA-105 outlining five steps to manage risks in aging electric propulsion power systems for transit and commuter rail — a targeted push to prevent propulsion failures. Agencies will need to fold these steps into SMS risk registers and maintenance strategies to show proactive hazard control. (x.com)
The NTSB published Safety Alert SA‑105, titled “Electric Propulsion Power Systems – Finding Risks in Aging Rail Infrastructure,” on March 19–20, 2026 and said it documents five electrical-failure incidents under current investigation. (aptapassengertransport.com) SA‑105 cites the Feb. 6, 2025 fire on SEPTA Regional Rail train 3223 departing Crum Lynne Station, which involved about 325 passengers and 4 crewmembers and prompted the investigation that expanded to four additional electrical-fire or smoke events. (ntsb.gov) The alert also describes a May 8, 2025 third‑rail feeder‑cable fire on PATH track G in a Jersey City tunnel that produced smoke and smoke‑related injuries to five PATH employees. (ntsb.gov) NTSB investigators identified recurring failure modes cited in SA‑105—worn contact surfaces on third rails/collector shoes or pantographs, degraded cable insulation from water intrusion, and loose or corroded connectors that increase resistance and generate heat leading to arcing or fires. (ntsb.gov) The safety alert lists concrete mitigations: implement or apply reliability‑engineering processes to reassess safety analyses as equipment ages or temporary repairs are made; review and revise maintenance, testing, and inspection procedures using past failure modes; and deploy technology to generate real‑time trend reports for early detection of emerging electrical risks. (aptapassengertransport.com) SA‑105 follows earlier NTSB actions urging Philadelphia (SEPTA) to sideline implicated railcars in 2025, and the Board emphasized hazards through the alert while the NTSB itself retains advisory authority rather than enforcement powers. (carriermanagement.com)
