In 1984, L. J. Mott, PE , was retained by Arapahoe Crane Service through their insurance carrier, to investigate the failure of a Link Belt HC-218, 82 ton, self propelled wire rope crane. The crane overturned due to a total loss of load event resulting in an elastic recoil that propelled the boom over the top. Damage to the crane, payload and building was extensive but there were no injuries to workers. Loss of load was caused by a three step failure sequence that was reconstructed in detail and presented in a formal report on behalf of the crane operators. The case settled after the report was issued and as a result of consultation with opposing party experts.
