NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy: Key Findings on Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Investigation Findings

• 📌 Finding 1: Had the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) conducted a vulnerability assessment of the Francis Scott Key Bridge based on recent vessel traffic, they would have known the bridge exceeded the risk threshold for catastrophic collapse from a vessel collision.
• 💡 Finding 2: Utilizing the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) method 2 for vulnerability assessment would have provided the MDTA with information to proactively identify strategies to reduce collapse risk and potential loss of lives.

Broader Implications

• ⚠️ Finding 3: The owners of 68 bridges over navigable waterways frequented by oceangoing vessels may be unaware of their bridges' risk of catastrophic collapse from vessel collisions and the need for countermeasures.
• 🔑 Urgent Safety Recommendations: The NTSB has issued four urgent safety recommendations based on these findings, aiming to prevent future incidents.