PORTLAND, Maine - A state inspection report last fall on a chairlift that malfunctioned over the weekend at Sugarloaf revealed some minor issues that were addressed.
The Board of Elevator and Tramway Safety required the replacement of a hydraulic pump, repair of the two-way voice communication system and servicing of an auxiliary power unit. All repairs were completed, and the lift passed inspection.
Seven people were hurt Saturday when the King Pine lift suffered a mechanical malfunction that caused the 27-year-old quad chairlift to begin moving backward.
Sugarloaf officials say a preliminary investigation points to a malfunctioning gear box that disabled two brake systems. A lift attendant pulled an emergency brake to bring it to a halt after chairs slid about 450 feet in reverse.
