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Ferry Company Loses USD 3.8 Million for an Insufficiently Torqued Bolt
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2022-03-30
An engine fire inside the Washington state ferry Wenatchee was caused by an insufficiently torqued bolt, which set off a chain reaction of broken parts and overheating, said a National Transportation Safety Board report released March 15, 2022.
There were no injuries during the incident, which happened on a test sailing after a series of repairs. The 13-member ferry crew for stopping the fire within two to three minutes. However, the fire caused $3.8 million in damage and kept the Wenatchee out of service for nine months.
The summary report says an oiler discovered white smoke in an engine room while the ferry was cruising at full power. Another crew member near the control panels saw fire, smoke and debris flying everywhere. Afterward, engineers found a large rod and piston strewn on the steel engine-room floor. Investigations found two broken bolts and another that unfastened while the engine was running. They were supposed to be torqued to 75 foot-pounds.
By magnifying the grooves, engineers confirmed the "backed off" or unfastened nut hadn't been tightened enough, which led to other parts misaligning, then a loss of lubricating oil. Hot gases spewed into the engine room and exploded.
Ferry officials have added engine room cameras, and will require secondary inspections of critical engine work including bolts. The Wenatchee returned to service in late January and serves the Bainbridge Island-Seattle route.
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insufficiently torqued bolt
Wenatchee
