The master mechanic of a New England fire department was placed on paid administrative leave after one of the department’s apparatus was involved in a fatal accident.

The accident occurred earlier this year and resulted in the death of one of the firefighters. Although an investigation revealed that mechanical failure was not a factor in the accident, there were several significant shortcomings in the vehicle maintenance and records.

Among the findings of the investigation was that the apparatus involved had not been thoroughly inspected in 14 months, despite a department policy to inspect it every 12 months. After the accident, state inspectors found problems with the front and rear brakes that should have placed the vehicle out of service under state department of transportation standards.

A more comprehensive report is expected to be made public later.