Final NTSB investigations
260 cases where the defining event was Flight control sys malf/fail.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 20 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2012 | 24 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 6 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
AND 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."completionStatus" = 'Completed' AND 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 ENG26LA011Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2C11 · Hibbing, MNThe elevator control restriction was caused by the failure of an elevator autopilot servo control cable which failed due to cyclic fatigue. The slack in the cable wrapped around the servo mount in such a way that it interfered with the rotation of the servo…NTSB ERA25LA303Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCentrair 101A · Springfield, VTThe pilot’s failure to assemble the glider’s elevator control before takeoff.NTSB CEN25LA245Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportFairchild 24R · Greeley, COThe pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during landing due to excessive wear in the tailwheel steering assembly.NTSB ERA25FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VAA counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.NTSB DCA25LA174Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPyka Pelican · Dixon, CAThe flight control system’s unanticipated transition to takeoff abort mode due to a software error in the autonomous flight control system, which resulted in a premature throttle reduction and hard landing.NTSB CEN25LA086Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 7ECA · Longview, TXThe failure of the lower hinge barrel due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the failure of the lower hinge barrel was increased stress from end face contact likely associated with worn bushings or displaced needle bearings.NTSB ERA25FA082Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Cintrona, PRMaintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the airplane, which resulted in inflight the failure of the right aileron carry through cable due to wear, reduced effectiveness of the airplane’s ailerons, and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA25LA079Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT504 · Big Cypress, FLThe pilot’s decision to depart with cargo outside of the designated baggage compartment, which resulted in the cargo interfering with the rudder control system.NTSB ENG25LA009Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2C11 · Dulles, VAThe elevator control restriction was caused by the failure of the elevator autopilot servo control cable, which failed due to cyclic fatigue. The slack in the broken cable wrapped around the elevator autopilot servo mount in such a way that it was bound…NTSB CEN25LA043Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPitts S1E · Seguin, TXThe improper construction of the rudder cable assembly by the airplane builder, which resulted in the fatigue failure of the left rudder cable during the landing roll and the pilot’s subsequent inability to maintain directional control.NTSB ANC25LA008Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CC18-180 · Anchorage, AKThe incorrect installation of the rear flight control stick, resulting in the pilot’s inability to control the pitch attitude, coupled with the pilot’s inadequate control system check before departure, all which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB CEN25LA029Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters Carbon CUB · Ogallala, NEThe improper installation of the elevator control cable hardware, which resulted in the separation of the elevator control cable and a loss of pitch control in flight.NTSB CEN24LA270Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna R172E · Hillrose, COThe binding of the left flap due to improper maintenance.NTSB ERA24LA263Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRotorway Exec · Alva, FLA loss of tail rotor control as a result of unsecured tail rotor drive belt tensioner bolts.NTSB ERA24LA251Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWilliam Loren Noggle JA30 Superstol · Tennille, GAThe loss of elevator control during flight due to the elevator control rod and its hardware disconnecting from its installation area, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate…NTSB WPR24FA182Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV-12 · Auburn, WAThe pilot’s improper installation of the control stick pushrod assemblies, which resulted in separation of the left pushrod and a total loss of roll control during flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure to detect the installation error during…NTSB ERA24LA128Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters PA18-150 · Edgewater, FLMaintenance personnel’s failure to detect the worn aileron cable during the most recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and a subsequent loss of airplane control during landing.NTSB CEN24LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 400 · Bentonville, ARImproper rigging of the elevator cable over the upper guard pin, which resulted in a cable separation and loss of elevator control.NTSB DCA24LA094Incident · No injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-8 · Newark, NJMoisture intrusion through the pressure port inlet of the rudder rollout guidance actuator that accumulated and froze during flight at altitude, resulting in jammed rudder pedal movement.NTSB WPR24LA038Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 95 · Yuma, AZAeroelastic flutter of the rudder control surface during the takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in the fracture of the rudder trim control rod end in flight.NTSB WPR23LA317Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Fullerton, CAThe separation of the stabilator actuator from the stabilator tab, which resulted in pitch control surface flutter and structural damage.NTSB ERA23LA319Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · North Charleston, SCA failure of the tail rotor pitch change lever assembly due to incorrectly installed bolts and maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the tail rotor control system.NTSB ERA23LA253Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35A · Statesboro, GAMaintenance personnel’s improper installation of the pitch servo bridle cable clamp, which led to binding in the elevator control system that restricted aft yoke movement during the landing approach.NTSB ERA23FA247Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Lake Worth, FLMaintenance personnel’s failure to detect the corroded aileron cable during recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and a subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff.NTSB CEN23LA172Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Coldspring, TXThe stabilator trim rod assembly separated from the stabilator link assembly due to a missing connecting bolt, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain pitch control of the airplane.NTSB CEN23LA170Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLuscombe 8F · Palmer, TXThe installation of an unapproved rudder control cable, which resulted in a fatigue failure and subsequent loss of rudder control during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the rudder control system.NTSB ERA23LA132Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStilp Tanner E Savannah S · Trenton, SCThe loss of control during the base turn to final due to the impingement of the Y-stick control by a notepad.NTSB CEN23FA045Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SF50 · Mount Comfort, INThe uncommanded activation of the CAPS autopilot mode due to corrosion of the system’s electrical components. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to identify the CAPS autopilot mode and promptly follow the procedures in the airplane flight…NTSB ERA23LA167Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 7FC · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s failure to properly secure the rear seat headset, resulting in an obstruction of the airplane’s rudder controls.NTSB ERA23LA002Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Murray, KYThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator cables by maintenance personnel and their subsequent failure to verify that the rigging was correct during post-maintenance checks and the pilot's inadequate preflight check.NTSB ERA22LA428Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith CH 750 · Cincinnati, OHThe airplane builder’s installation of incorrect hardware in the control yoke assembly, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.NTSB DCA22LA212Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus A330-243 · Los Angeles, CAUncommanded movement of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer control wheel for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR22LA340Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Banning, CAThe improper attachment of the tail rotor drive shaft to the air conditioner drive pulley without a drive ring, which resulted in the failure of the hardware, a loss of tail rotor drive, and the loss of control of the helicopter followed by a hard landing and…NTSB ERA22LA358Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 207 · Dillingham, AKMaintenance personnel’s failure to detect and correct improper rudder control system alignment, the resulting interference with the pulley’s rotation, and the accelerated corrosion and wear of the control cable, which ultimately led to its failure in flight.NTSB ERA22LA340Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Mariner · Hollywood, FLInadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s tail rotor blades, which resulted in a failure of the tail rotor drive system, and an inflight loss of yaw control from which the flight instructor was unable to recover.NTSB DCA22LA179Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 767-332 · New York, NYThe failure of maintenance personnel to close the drain mast heater circuit breakers which resulted in the formation of ice in the forward drain mast, an improper flow of wastewater into the main landing gear wheel well, and the formation of ice on one or…NTSB WPR22FA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 336 · Porterville, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the elevator control assembly hardware, which resulted in an in-flight disconnection of the elevator and elevator counterweight and the pilot’s inability to maintain pitch control.NTSB CEN22LA202Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 421C · Monroe, LAThe failure of the maintenance personnel to properly reinstall the elevator trim tab hardware, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the elevator.NTSB ERA22LA215Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 414 · Connellsville, PAThe pilot/mechanic’s failure to properly secure two airplane avionics units, which resulted in the trays supporting the units to sag downward and become lodged in the movement area of the elevator bellcrank during the accident takeoff.NTSB ERA22FA189Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchleicher ASW-19B · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot’s improper preflight assembly of the glider’s elevator control, which resulted in a loss of control on takeoff, and the pilot’s failure to complete a positive control check before the flight, which would have identified the disconnected elevator…NTSB WPR22LA136Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDowner Bellanca 14-19-2 · Prosser, WAAn inadequately welded elevator attachment lug, which caused the elevator to partially detach from its bellcrank, resulting in flutter and structural damage.NTSB ERA22LA167Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Winder, GAMaintenance personnel’s failure to detect the damaged aileron cable during the most recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR22LA045Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportElvin Jack R JR Rotorway Exec 162F · Scio, ORThe pilot’s improper maintenance on the tail rotor assembly, which resulted in the loss of control and roll over.NTSB DCA22MA009Accident · Serious injuriesClass 2 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-87 (MD-87) · Brookshire, TXThe jammed condition of both elevators, which resulted from exposure to localized, dynamic high wind while the airplane was parked and prevented the airplane from rotating during the takeoff roll. Also causal was the failure of Everts Air Cargo, the pilots’…NTSB ERA22FA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVelocity SE RG · Titusville, FLThe separation of the airplane’s elevator control push-pull tube, which resulted in a loss of control during the approach.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 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 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…