NTSB Safety Recommendation P-76-020

NTSB safety recommendation P-76-020.

REVIEW ALL PERTINENT DATA SUCH AS LEAK AND FAILURE REPORTS SUBMITTED BY LIQUID PIPELINE CARRIERS TO DETERMINE IF LONGITUDINAL WELD FAILURES CONSTITUTE A RECURRENT SAFETY PROBLEM, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY ACTION IF THEY DO.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1976-06-14

Adopted Date: 1976-05-21

Overall Date Closed: 1977-06-13

Synopsis: ON FEBRUARY 25, 1976, A MID-AMERICA PIPE LINE SYSTEM 8-INCH LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS PIPELINE RUPTURED NEAR WHITHARRAL, TEXAS. THE ESCAPING LPG VAPORIZED, FORMED A LOW-LYING CLOUD, AND IGNITED. THE OCCUPANTS OF TWO DWELLINGS IN THE AREA WERE BURNED SEVERELY, AND FIVE WERE KILLED.

Probable Cause: Investigation showed that the longitudinal seam of the 8 inch pipe had split. The 8 1/2-foot -long split was located on the side of the pipe at the 9:00 position. The pipe was manufactured by Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation in 1960.

Ntsbnumber: DCA76FP016

Report Number: None

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1977-06-13

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1976-11-01

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: LTR., FROM MTB: THE MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION BUREAU'S OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY OPERATIONS WILL MONITOR THE WELDED SEAM FAILURE PROBLEM FOR LIQUID PIPELINES AND WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY ACTION FOR THE PROBLEMS AS IDENTIFIED.