scope:

Description of Driving Event:

On October 8, 1997, a 7,000-pound Solid Rocket Booster Holddown Post (HDP) slid off a forklift while it was being moved up a slight ramp into the low bay of building M7-505 at the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF). Neither damage to the holddown post nor injuries to personnel occurred during this near miss.

Root Causes:

1. Design: The less than optimal design of the shipping/handling pallet and the load restraint configuration of the HDP provided a minimal margin for stability (see figure 1).

2. Procedure: The forklift operator's lack of attention to the HDP configuration and good forklift operating practices contributed to the unstable conditions.

3. Environment: Storage of equipment in the rollup door area hindered the forklift's approach and contributed to the improperly angled entry into the area.