A week ago Monday, a 4-inch-by-4-inch piece of metal slammed into the back window of a Hyundai that was parked at a body shop. Neighbors later found other small pieces in the area.

It was suspected at first that the metal came from an airplane, but that was ruled out by Federal Aviation Administration officials.

The pieces were from one of four fans that expel heat from brakes on the engine, said Amtrak spokesman Russ Hall. The fan drew too much power and disintegrated, he said. When the train returned from Toronto on Wednesday, inspectors discovered one of the fans missing.

The piece shattered the car's rear window, bent the window frame, and dented the vehicle's trunk. Hall said Amtrak would contact the owner of the car about compensation.

Publication date: 2000-07-18