Hi, gerade wurde der Abschlußbericht zum Son Of Beast Unfall veröffentlicht - nun wird der Looping abgebaut und der Coaster überarbeitet:
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Son of Beast Report - Loop Removal
The Son Of Beast one of the industries largest, and most interesting Roller Coasters, has been ruled upon by the State of Ohio. It was announced today that the Son Of Beast will undergo some design modifications. Most dramatically the loop will be removed to relieve stress on the ride and the trains will undergo some modifications reducing the loading capacity on the ride. The good news is, as we anticipated, the Son Of Beast will Return to operation in 2007.
Paramount's Kings Island Son of Beast Statement
The State of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture released today its final report detailing the outcome of the extensive Son of Beast inspection. The report reaffirms initial indications that the incident was an unforeseen single event failure.
We will now focus our energies on the appropriate and necessary changes needed to reopen the ride in 2007. In addition to reinforcing the physical structure of the ride, we plan to remove the loop. Taking this extra step enables us to use lighter trains, which will reduce the load and lead to a more comfortable ride experience.
We are making good progress on Son of Beast and are fully committed to reopening the ride in 2007.
(c) Paramount's Kings Island, 13. Dezember 2006
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Final Report Issued in Kings Island Son of Beast Accident
State Investigation is Complete
The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently released the investigation report on the Kings Island Son of Beast ride accident, which occurred on July 9.
The department hired a forensic engineering firm, SEA, Limited, from Columbus, Ohio, to provide an independent analysis of the accident. The firm concluded the primary cause of the failure was a deficiency in the design of the structure that allowed a vertical wooden support – a “bent leg” – to crack because it could not support the weight. The failure of one bent leg led to the failure of two other bent legs, causing a slight dip in the track. This resulted in a “pothole” effect, injuring riders. Wood quality was not a factor in the accident; it tested within acceptable tolerances.
After reviewing the independent engineer’s report and conducting an investigation, the department is requiring the park to take the following actions before the ride is licensed to operate again:
* Hire a qualified engineering firm to conduct a detailed review of the entire structural design.
* Complete all structural modifications to eliminate design deficiencies.
* Complete all structural modifications to stiffen the structure and reduce lateral movement.
* Strengthen wood components and connections to ensure structural integrity. Metal chain plates should be added to strengthen wood components and metal split rings should be added to strengthen bolted connections.
The department will make a decision on whether to allow the ride to reopen after receiving certification from Kings Island’s engineer that the improvements have been properly completed.
The department inspects and licenses all rides before they open to the public. Inspections are conducted according to manufacturers’ specifications, which reflect standards established by the American Society of Testing and Materials. Ohio is one of only three states in the nation with a full-time, year-round ride safety division. Ohio is home to over 2,700 licensed rides found at 110 permanent amusement facilities, 58 go-kart tracks, and 300 portable ride companies.
(c) www.ohioagriculture.gov, 13. Dezember 2006
Den Bericht gibts als PDF hier.
>Es handelt sich wohl um Umbauarbeiten unter der Bahn, welche eine Änderung an den
>Stützen benötigen. Wurde zumindest auf Screamscape vermutet.
>Der Looping bleibt aber definitiv drin, die Bahn wird nicht "entloopt". 
Wo hast Du her, dass der Looping drinnen bleibt? Laut Amusement Today kommt der Looping raus, damit leichtere Züge eingesetzt werden können...
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Paramount’s Kings Island releases Son of Beast statement (DEC 13, 2006)
The State of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture released today its final report detailing the outcome of the extensive Son of Beast inspection. The report reaffirms initial indications that the incident was an unforeseen single event failure, which occurred on July 9.
According to PKI officials, the park will now focus its energies on the appropriate and necessary changes needed to reopen the ride in 2007. In addition to reinforcing the physical structure of the ride, the coaster's single vertical loop will be removed. This will allow the ride to use lighter trains, which will reduce the load and lead to a more comfortable guest experience.
PKI is making good progress on Son of Beast and are fully committed to reopening the ride in 2007.
Quelle: Amusement Today
