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[Peter]

Ski Lift That Failed Recently Passed Inspection
Teenager Breaks Fall From Mount Sunapee Lift

POSTED: 6:28 pm EST December 26, 2007


MOUNT SUNAPEE, N.H. -- Inspectors said that a chairlift that failed Tuesday, throwing a teenager to the ground, recently passed inspection.

The teenage boy broke his elbow in the fall off the North Peak Triple lift at Mount Sunapee when a wheel at the top of the lift spring loose, causing the chairs to bob. The lift was built 20 years ago, and the resort was planning to close it this week for preventative maintenance.

State inspectors said the lift passed inspection last month and meets the required codes set in 1987, after the lift's construction.

"The bearings are big on these wheels, and oftentimes they can last a long time, even once you hear an indication of a problem," Mount Sunapee General Manager Jay Gamble said.

Skiers said the North Peak Triple is one of the most popular lifts on the mountain because of its easy access. They said it was amazing that only 19 skiers were on the lift at the time of the failure.

State inspectors said the last time a bearing failed in a similar fashion was in 1984 in Keystone, Colo. There are 11 similar lifts across New Hampshire, and officials said they are looking closely at the accident.

"We will be issuing a notice to other users of this lift as to what happened and any improvements we can make in their operation," said Briggs Lockwood of Tramway & Amusement Ride Safety.

The 18 other skiers on the lift were not injured. The teenager who fell has been released from a hospital.

The chairlift is expected to re-open in three to four weeks.