LAX People Mover Malfunctions With Electrical Arc Flash During Test

A recent test of the Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) new SkyLink people mover train resulted in a significant electrical arc flash, accompanied by fire and smoke, according to video footage obtained by Fox LA. The incident occurred during a routine test run in late September, adding to the project's ongoing delays.

People-mover expert Timothy Borchers described the event as an arc flash, or flashover, which stems from electrical current path issues. Borchers expressed concern over the footage, stating, "This is one of the most severe flashovers I’ve ever witnessed. It could lead to a potentially catastrophic electrical incident."

Borchers noted that effective measures should be in place to immediately extinguish such events, but the video appears to show the electrical blasts continuing for a noticeable duration.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) responded to the video by referencing a website that indicates arc flashes are not uncommon during testing phases. LINXS, the contractor responsible for the project, informed Fox LA that "the system responded as designed, and System Demonstration Testing has restarted." The contractor added, "LINXS remains committed to working with LAWA to successfully deliver the Automated People Mover and provide a world-class transportation system for the Los Angeles region."

The 2.25-mile automated train, intended to connect airport terminals, has faced numerous delays. Originally slated for a 2023 opening, its launch has been pushed to January, following LINXS's acknowledgment that it would miss a December completion deadline. The project, a key component of a $3.3 billion infrastructure plan that includes connections to economy parking, the rental car center, and the LA Metro Transit Center, is reportedly more than 99% complete.

To commence passenger service, the train requires 30 consecutive days of successful testing, an independent review, and an assessment by LAWA. Additionally, a utility agreement with the LA Department of Water & Power must be finalized. LINXS has cautioned that the January opening date is not guaranteed, stating in a filing that "there can be no assurances that achievement of the Passenger Service Availability Date will not be delayed further."

The SkyLink project, initially projected to cost $1.9 billion, has been marked by contract disputes and cost overruns, escalating the total expenditure to $3.34 billion, which includes $1.34 billion in additional city funding. The recent malfunction has drawn renewed criticism, including from former mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who commented on social media about the project's budget overruns and delays, alongside the recent incident.