NTSB: Metro system didn't detect test train

WASHINGTON — The signaling system for the Washington-area transit agency failed to detect a test train stopped in the same place as one that was struck during a deadly crash this week, federal investigators said Thursday.

The National Transportation Safety Board's test results indicate the oncoming train involved in Monday's crash that killed nine could have lacked information that another train was stopped on the tracks ahead. A statement by the NTSB did not say whether investigators think the problems were occurring before the crash, which injured dozens.

Investigators are trying to understand how the train control system was functioning when a train plowed into another that was stopped, resulting in the deadliest crash in the rail system's 33-year history. The control system provides critical information to trains such as when to stop or slow down.

The moving train was operating in automatic mode, which means it was primarily controlled by a computer, although there is evidence the operator applied the emergency brake. On Thursday, investigators found streak marks on the tracks for about 125 feet leading up to the crash site, indicating "heavy braking."

The operator of the struck train told NTSB investigators Thursday that his car was running in manual mode at the time of the crash. The operator, whose name hasn't been released, said he was waiting for a train in front of him to clear when he felt a hard push to his train from behind.

The NTSB also announced that it had recovered data recorders from the struck train; none were found on the striking train.

The NTSB declined to answer further questions.

Such signal systems don't fail easily and the results raise safety concerns for transit systems nationwide, said James Moore, a civil engineering professor at the University of Southern California.

"I imagine that every transit authority nationally is taking a quiet internal review of its system," he said.

Earlier Thursday, Metro announced that it was inspecting all its tracks to make sure signaling problems weren't elsewhere. General Manager John Catoe said trains will run manually until crews inspect all 3,000 circuits, or sections beneath the track that include signaling equipment.

"We have to act and we're taking action," Catoe said. He said Metro hoped to conclude its inspections within a couple of weeks.