NTSB investigations
357 cases where the defining event was Flight control sys malf/fail.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '333') ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '333') ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ANC21LA093Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Chandalar Shelf, AKA separation of the rudder cable from the rudder pedal due to the connecting bolt detaching for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of directional control.NTSB ERA21LA360Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith 750 Cruzer · New Smyrna, FLThe mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the flight control system, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB DCA21WA219IncidentClass 5 · ForeignEmbraer ERJ190 · Maiquetia, VenezuelaNTSB DCA21WA221IncidentClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A300 · Marquetia, VenezuelaNTSB ANC21LA075Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AKThe malfunction of the control stick during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB DCA21WA205IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Perth, AustraliaNTSB GAA21WA191Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Policka, CzechiaNTSB CEN21LA346Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHpH, Spol. S.R.O. Glasflügel 304S · Briggs, TXThe overstress fracture of the elevator control tube due to reduced wall thickness from water intrusion and subsequent corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a drain hole at the bottom of the elevator control tube, which allowed the tube to…NTSB ANC21LA064Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-14 · Anchorage, AKThe fatigue fracture of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1025 carbon steel rudder post, which resulted in structural failure of the rudder. Contributing to the fatigue failure was the post’s susceptibility to fatigue cracking under normal service…NTSB ENG21WA046Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Enroute, GermanyNTSB WPR21LA238Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Twisp, WAAn in-flight separation of the control stick from the torque tube assembly, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll and subsequent on-ground collision.NTSB CEN21FA272Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAntenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, COThe pilot’s diversion of attention following an asymmetric flap deployment, which resulted in a descent and collision with powerlines. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the flap control rod attachment bolts,…NTSB GAA21WA074Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignPiper J3 · Epse, NetherlandsNTSB ENG21WA024Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBAE ATP · Ronaldsway, Isle of ManNTSB DCA21WA111Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A320 · Lima, PeruNTSB DCA21LA094AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell APT70 · Fort Benning, GAfailure of an electronic speed controller that resulted in a descent and impact with trees.NTSB ERA21LA131Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Lake Placid, FLThe pilot’s failure to ensure that the aft seat cushion was adequately secured, which resulted in its movement, subsequent interference with the flight controls, and a hard landing.NTSB ERA21LA106Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA5 · Leesburg, VAThe weakened structure of the left horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in elevator flutter and subsequent partial separation of the left elevator in flight. Contributing to the accident were the lack of elevator authority while landing due to the damaged…NTSB DCA21WA081Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Mexico City, MexicoNTSB DCA21WA033IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Capetown, South AfricaNTSB WPR21LA039Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAgusta A109 · Los Angeles, CAThe loss of tail rotor control due to the separation of the tail rotor duplex bearing ring nut from the thrust sleeve, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control.NTSB DCA20WA151Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBombardier CL600 2D24 · Gallivare, SwedenNTSB WPR20LA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLake LA4 · Rawlins, WYThe pilot’s decision to depart despite a known mechanical trim malfunction and with a high-density altitude and the airplane at or above its maximum gross weight.NTSB CEN20WA434IncidentClass 5 · ForeignRaytheon Hawker · Le Bourget, FranceNTSB ERA20CA246Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA22 · Cortland, NYThe mechanic’s incorrect rigging of the aileron control cables, which resulted in a reversal of aileron control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff. Also causal was the mechanic’s inadequate post-maintenance inspection and the pilot's inadequate…NTSB CEN20LA259Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSopwith Type 9400 · Van Alstyne, TXAn inflight loss of aileron control due to movement of a control connector.NTSB ERA20CA232Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAyres S2R · Perry, GAThe reported malfunction of the aileron flight control system during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN20LA173Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan Titan Tornado S · Haskell, OKThe student pilot/builder’s addition of winglets to the stabilator, which resulted in flutter and overstress failure of the stabilator control horn.NTSB ENG20LA031Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350 · Clewiston, FLSeizure of the hydraulic pump pulley bearing due to its improper installation by the manufacturer, leading to a failure of the hydraulic pump belt and the resultant partial loss of hydraulic assistance to the pedals.NTSB ERA20CA168Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportDayton-Wright DH-4 · Bowling Green, KYA primary control (aileron) system anomaly that progressively worsened during a test flight that resulted in a loss of control. The reason for the anomaly was not determined due to impact damage.NTSB WPR20LA135Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Hemet, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly inspect and replace damaged aileron control cables, which resulted in fatigue separation of the aileron control cable and loss of control of the aircraft.NTSB DCA20LA100Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSikorsky S61 · Camp Dwyer, AfghanistanFatigue cracking of the auxiliary servo cylinder’s pedal damper check valve housing and its bolts, which caused the sudden and uncommanded movement of the helicopter’s left pedal and a subsequent left yaw that continued until ground impact. Contributing to…NTSB WPR20WA317Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Mareeba Aerodrome, AustraliaNTSB DCA20WA074Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 757 · San Jose, Costa RicaThe Consejo Technico de Aviacion Civil (CTAC)of Costa Rica notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 757-2B7, which occurred on February 9, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13…NTSB ENG20WA034Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBombardier CL600 2C10 · Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport, FranceThe BEA of France has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Bombardier CL600-2C10 airplane that occurred on January 23, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the BEA of France's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA20LA080Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTeam Rocket F-1 F-1 · Suffolk, VAA structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer during aerobatic maneuvers near the airplane’s never-exceed speed. Contributing to the failure was the construction of the horizontal stabilizer that did not meet the kit manufacturer’s specifications.NTSB CEN20WA056Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationLearjet 45 · Geneva, SwitzerlandThe government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a LEARJET 45 airplane that occurred on December 18, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20TA039Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3Final reportEnstrom F28 · Riverton, UTThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to operate a deregistered helicopter, which resulted in a component failure and subsequent loss of control and hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of recent maintenance on the helicopter.NTSB ERA20LA051Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportParsons Two Place #1 · Naguabo, PRA failure of the rudder attachment bolt, which resulted in the rudder’s subsequent inflight separation from the fuselage.NTSB WPR20LA004Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGlaser Dirks DG500 · Marana, AZThe pilots’ exceedance of the glider’s never-exceed speed (VNE) during recovery from an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in a failure of the right-wing air brake control drive, asymmetrical air brake deployment, and a subsequent hard landing.NTSB WPR20LA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Breeze · Moore, UTThe pilot’s improper preflight inspection and detection of a pinch point in the steering line, which resulted in a loss of control in flight and impact with terrain.NTSB DCA19WA212Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · South AfricaThe government of South Africa has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on September 02, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of South Africa's investigation under the…NTSB CEN19LA224Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA18 · Osceola, WIThe failure of the right horizontal stabilizer during takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved stabilizer frame and failure of maintenance personnel to identify…NTSB CEN19LA219Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFisher Flying Products Super Koala · Hazen, NDThe airplane owner's and mechanic's improper rigging and cable tension of the aileron control system, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.NTSB CEN19LA174Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Key West, FLThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the right-side tail boom mounting bolts which resulted in the failure of the bolts and an inflight separation of the tail rotor.NTSB DCA19LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAurora PAV · Manassas, VAa loss of hover lift thrust provided by the eight lift motors due to a false on-ground rotor speed reduction command, resulting from excessive vibration.NTSB WPR19LA112Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Morganza, LAA loss of aircraft control due to the separation of the elevator pushrod attachment bolt.NTSB WPR19LA114Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · San Diego, CAThe fracture of the aileron hinge strap due to fatigue crack propagation, which resulted in substantial damage to a wing rib aft of the spar at the outboard aileron cutout. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance inspection.NTSB DCA19WA023Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationEmbraer 190 · Bara, PortugalThe GPIA of Portugal has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Embraer 190 airplane that occurred on November 11, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the GPIA of Portugal's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…NTSB CEN19WA042Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Uk, United KingdomThe government of United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA34 airplane that occurred on November 02, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of United Kingdom's investigation under…