NTSB Cites Inexperienced Pilot Using Cell Phone in Ohio

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a detailed report on a significant incident involving the towing vessel Amber Brittany, which struck a vane dike on the Ohio River in March 2024. The collision, which resulted in approximately $1.3 million in damages, was attributed to a combination of factors, including the pilot’s inexperience and distractions from personal cell phone use. The report underscores the unique navigational challenges posed by the McAlpine Locks and Dam area, where multiple incidents have occurred in recent years.

Incident Overview and Contributing Factors

On March 8, 2024, the Amber Brittany, a 138-foot towing vessel, was pushing 15 loaded coal barges along the Ohio River. As the vessel awaited entry into the McAlpine Locks, the captain was relieved by a pilot who had not previously operated in this challenging region. Despite the captain’s advice to favor the left descending bank to mitigate the effects of outdraft currents, the pilot struggled to navigate effectively. The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the pilot’s lack of experience in the area was a significant factor in the incident.

During the investigation, it became clear that the pilot had misrepresented his experience level to company personnel, leading to a false sense of security regarding his capabilities. The NTSB noted that the McAlpine Locks and Dam area is particularly hazardous, with nine reported incidents involving tow vessels since January 2020, resulting in over $2.7 million in property damage. The report emphasized the importance of assessing outdraft currents when navigating near locks and dams, as these currents can significantly impact vessel handling.

As the Amber Brittany exited the lock area, it veered sharply to port, ultimately colliding with the vane dike. The impact caused the tow to break apart, with ten of the fifteen barges drifting downstream. One barge sank, while another began taking on water and was pushed to the bank. The pilot later claimed that he was attempting to counteract the outdraft current when the collision occurred.

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Distractions and Safety Recommendations

Further investigation revealed that the pilot was using his personal cell phone during the maneuver. The NTSB found that he sent a total of 16 text messages and made two outgoing calls in the 20 minutes surrounding the incident. Notably, in the three minutes leading up to the collision, he sent and received multiple messages. The report strongly cautioned against the use of mobile devices while navigating, particularly in unfamiliar and restricted areas.

The NTSB highlighted that distractions from cell phone use can have severe consequences in safety-critical situations. The report stated, “Using cell phones and other wireless electronic devices has been demonstrated to be visually, manually, and cognitively distracting.” This incident is not isolated; previous cases have shown similar distractions contributing to maritime accidents. The NTSB reiterated the importance of maintaining focus while navigating and urged mariners to avoid using personal devices during critical maneuvers.

While the NTSB can only determine probable causes for such incidents, the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities are responsible for enforcing regulations and taking disciplinary actions. The Coast Guard has also issued warnings regarding the dangers of using personal devices while navigating, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and caution in these environments.