NTSB conducts initial review of Amtrak train recorders
Inward-facing video with audio captured the crew’s actions and their conversations.


The National Transportation Safety Board released Friday details gathered from the locomotive event data recorder and inward- and outward-facing cameras on Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501 that derailed Monday in DuPont, Wash.
The lead locomotive’s event data and video recorders were successfully downloaded with the manufacturer’s assistance and processed in the NTSB’s lab in Washington, D.C. An initial review of the final portion of the accident sequence revealed the following information, which is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues:
Inward-facing video with audio captured the crew’s actions and their conversations. A forward-facing video with audio captured conditions in front of the locomotive as well as external sounds.
The crew was not observed to use any personal electronic devices during the timeframe reviewed.
About six seconds prior to the derailment, the engineer made a comment regarding an over-speed condition.
The engineer’s actions were consistent with the application of the locomotive’s brakes just before the recording ended. It did not appear the engineer placed the brake handle in emergency-braking mode.
The recording ended as the locomotive was tilting and the crew was bracing for impact.
The final recorded speed of the locomotive was 78 mph.
A preliminary report detailing the facts and circumstances of the crash developed in this early stage of the investigation will be available on the NTSB website in the coming days.
The entire investigation is expected to last 12 to 24 months.
More Security and Safety

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
LA Metro Sworn Officer Recruitment Draws 950 Applications on First Day
The California agency moves safety into its next phase, recruiting officers to help shape a transit-focused, community-centered force.
Read More →
FTA Plans Family-Friendly Transit Scorecard for Agencies Nationwide
The family-friendly transit dashboard is part of a broader effort by the FTA and U.S. Department of Transportation to increase transparency, accountability, and service quality across the nation's public transportation systems, said officials.
Read More →
New Public Safety Hub Opens in Downtown Houston
The substation strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement, and visitor flow converge.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe
FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.
Read More →
Strategic Safety Measures at CATS Lead to Drop in Transit Crime
Under the leadership of the CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer, the organization has marked a pivotal transformation.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Evolving Enforcement-Only Models With Care-Based Safety Strategies
Transit agencies are redefining safety with care-based response models. See how leaders are improving trust and operations.
Read More →Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →