Event Notification Report for January 13, 2026

LOST SOURCE

The following information was provided by the licensee via phone and email:

"The US Navy master materials licensee reports a loss of 500 microcuries of Sr-90 in an inflight blade inspection system (IBIS), model number 12210-1, serial number 2136. During flight, a CH-53E [helicopter made] a precautionary emergency landing. [Upon landing] visible damage to one main rotor blade [and] three tail rotor blades [was observed,] resulting in the missing IBIS. The incident occurred on December 13, 2025, but a search was delayed due to a snowstorm and ice. After a visual and survey instrument search, the IBIS [was] declared lost on January 5, 2026. [The incident] occurred in a low-population area [in the vicinity of] Manchester Township, New Jersey."

THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A 'Less than Cat 3' LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

Sources that are "Less than IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as moisture density gauges or thickness gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - LEAKING SEALED SOURCE

The following information was provided by the licensee via email:

"During a routine leak test performed by West Physics at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, a 245.7 microcurie Cs-137 Eckert and Ziegler e-vial sealed source, serial number 1551-52-9, was found to have removable contamination above the acceptable limit, signifying a potential leak from the source. Leak test results of 0.005 microcuries or below are acceptable, and a reading of 0.0142 microcuries was obtained for this vial. Upon visual inspection, the vial was found to have a small crack, and moisture could be seen inside the vial. The cause of the crack is unknown, and no other notable damage was found.

"Wipe surveys were performed in all locations in which the leaking source was stored or used, and all were found to be free of contamination.

"At this time, the leaking source and all associated contamination waste are being stored in the nuclear medicine hot lab in the lead vault. The licensee is in the process of contacting waste disposal companies to arrange disposal of the source and waste. When disposal has been completed, an update will be submitted to this report."

GA incident number: 112