Summary. In October 1960, increases in the fission product activity of the primary coolant of the SM-1 power plant indicated that a fuel element failure had occurred. Low power tests were run first to determine the nature and magnitude of the defect. Flux tilting experiments were then performed to determine the general location of the failed element. Finally, the primary coolant flowing through each of the fuel elements was sampled at low reactor power for relative iodine activity to determine the exact location of the defective element.. The element was found and replaced. Upon return to power, the fission product activity dropped back to its normal full power value.