AirTrain Testing to Resume; 'System is Sound' Says PA

"On behalf of PA, I again wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kelvin DeBourgh, Jr., the Bombardier employee killed in the accident. The PA and its partners are presently considering ways to honor his memory," said Joseph Seymour, executive director of the PA.

"Understanding the importance of this investigation, the PA's Safety Board proceeded very deliberately in its research to determine the causes of the accident and to ensure the safe operation of AirTrain JFK. This investigation caused a postponement of the scheduled opening date of the system to the public, but we all understood that this investigation had to be conducted in thorough manner. After more than six months of careful study, our investigation found the system is sound."

The results of the investigation found that the accident was caused by a derailment after the train hit curve number 650 while traveling at 55 mi. per hour. The maximum design speed of the curve is 25 mi. per hour. In addition, the concrete blocks, which the reports states is common practice for many transit agencies, did not contribute to the derailment.