The Rail Accident Investigation Branch identified ineffective management by the Strathspey Railway Company as an underlying factor in a collision involving the historic Flying Scotsman steam locomotive.
At about 6:05 p.m. local time on Sept. 29, 2023, the Flying Scotsman, traveling tender-first, collided with the Royal Scotsman coaches near platform 3 at Aviemore station on the Strathspey Railway in Badenoch and Strathspey. The Royal Scotsman coaches were being prepared for a planned journey on the Strathspey Railway, set to be hauled by the Flying Scotsman to Boat of Garten station.
The mishap occurred at 7 mph while the locomotive maneuvered to couple with the coaches. Two passengers aboard the coaches were taken to the hospital with injuries, and the incident caused minor damage to the Flying Scotsman’s tender and more significant damage to the coaches, which were subsequently removed from service.
An investigation found that the crash happened because the driver had a limited view of the track ahead and was unaware of the locomotive’s proximity to the coaches. The drive did not reduce speed appropriately.
The driver’s expectation was that the coaches would be located further away, based on previous experience. Additionally, there was a lack of warning from anyone in the cab immediately before the collision.
The RAIB made one recommendation to the Strathspey Railway Company, advising a review of arrangements for abnormal operations, such as visits by external railway vehicles or special events, to ensure risks are properly identified, assessed, and mitigated.
In their report, investigators highlighted two key learning points: the importance of maintaining an effective lookout while driving on a line-of-sight basis and complying with regulations concerning the number of people in a locomotive cab with clearly defined roles during movements.
