# Fatal NTSB investigations: Flight control sys malf/fail NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR26FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA141.md): Hughes 369D · Haena, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 27, 2026 · N715KV · Substantial damage > On March 26, 2026, about 1539 Hawaii standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N715KV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haena, Hawaii. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and three passengers were fatally… - [NTSB ERA25FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA185.md): MX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 24, 2025 · N530RH · Substantial damage > A counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing. - [NTSB ERA25FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Cintrona, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 20, 2024 · N22088 · Destroyed > Maintenance 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 CEN25FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA033.md): Beech 58 · Arlberg, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 29, 2024 · N811PB · Destroyed > On October 29, 2024, about 1426 central daylight time, a Beech 58 airplane, N811PB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Arlberg, Arkansas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations… - [NTSB WPR24FA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA182.md): Vans RV-12 · Auburn, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 6, 2024 · N412JN · Substantial damage > The 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 ERA23FA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA247.md): Cessna 172 · Lake Worth, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 26, 2023 · N3KV · Destroyed > Maintenance 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 WPR22FA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA216.md): Cessna 336 · Porterville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2022 · N3835U · Destroyed > Maintenance 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 ERA22FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA189.md): Schleicher ASW-19B · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 16, 2022 · N19KW · Substantial damage > The 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 ERA22FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA015.md): Velocity SE RG · Titusville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 14, 2021 · N755V · Destroyed > The separation of the airplane’s elevator control push-pull tube, which resulted in a loss of control during the approach. - [NTSB CEN21FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA272.md): Antenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 16, 2021 · N704AK · Destroyed > The 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 WPR20LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA301.md): Lake LA4 · Rawlins, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 25, 2020 · N93AB · Substantial damage > The 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 WPR20LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA135.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Hemet, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 30, 2020 · N6521Y · Substantial damage > Maintenance 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 ANC20FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA024.md): Cessna 305 · Mokuleia, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2020 · N65070 · Substantial damage > A separation of the left rudder cable due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain. - [NTSB WPR20LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA001.md): Buckeye Breeze · Moore, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2019 · N582UT · Substantial damage > The 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 ERA19FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA225.md): Quicksilver Mxii · Oliver Springs, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 13, 2019 · N3889Z · Substantial damage > The noncertificated pilot’s decision to continue to takeoff and climb after encountering an undetermined airplane control issue that he was unable to counteract, which resulted in collision with trees and subsequent impact with terrain. - [NTSB ERA19FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA034.md): Autogyro Cavalon · Sebring, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2018 · N198LT · Destroyed > The pilot's improper decision to operate the gyroplane in an unairworthy condition, which resulted in the cyclic pitch control disconnecting in flight. Contributing was the pilot's inability to maintain control of the helicopter utilizing the published… - [NTSB ERA18FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA180.md): Cessna 150J · Manteo, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2018 · N60111 · Destroyed > A loss of control due to the banner tow rope becoming entangled with the left horizontal stabilizer in crosswind conditions. - [NTSB WPR17FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA161.md): Applegate Panzl S331E · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2017 · N331ST · Substantial damage > A fatigue failure of the left aileron control rod end during aerobatic flight, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane. - [NTSB ERA17WA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17WA230.md): Gulfstream G1159A · Nueva Esparta, Venezuela · Accident · 9 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 4, 2017 · YV2896 · Destroyed > On July 4, 2017, about 1745 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Gulfstream 1159A, Venezuela registration YV2895, descended into the Caribbean Sea northwest of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and was presumed to be destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions… - [NTSB ERA17FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA148.md): Piper PA 12 · Sanford, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · Destroyed > The incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate… - [NTSB WPR17WA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17WA039.md): Robinson R44 · Juhu, India · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 11, 2016 · VT-PHB · Destroyed - [NTSB CEN17FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA012.md): Fairchild Hiller FH 1100 · Lino Lakes, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2016 · N4035G · Destroyed > The separation of the main rotor assembly due to mast bumping. - [NTSB ERA16FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA248.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2016 · N427TV · Substantial damage > Company maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight. - [NTSB CEN15WA449](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15WA449.md): Trendak Tercel · Odorheiul Secuiesc City, Romania · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 26, 2015 · A11-DUN · Substantial damage > This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. On September 26, 2015, at an unknown time, a Trendak Tercel gyroplane, A11-DUN, impacted terrain after takeoff from an airfield near Odorheiul Secuiesc city, Harghita County, Romania.… - [NTSB CEN15FA425](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA425.md): Cessna T310Q · Wichita, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2015 · N301JA · Destroyed > The separation of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab pushrod to the elevator trim actuator, which resulted in the elevator trim tab jamming in a position outside the limits of normal travel and a subsequent loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN15LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA367.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Wiville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2015 · N3070R · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility pole while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in damage to the right aileron and a subsequent uncontrolled right roll at a low altitude. - [NTSB WPR15FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA051.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Bountiful, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2014 · N3234U · Substantial damage > The pilot/mechanic's failure to properly secure the pitch link hardware of one main rotor blade to the rotating swash plate, which resulted in the pitch link separating in flight and a subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB ANC14FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA050.md): Piper PA 12 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2014 · N3512M · Substantial damage > The incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging. - [NTSB WPR13FA400](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA400.md): Cantrell LW Challenger II SP · Prineville, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2013 · N65VG · Substantial damage > The in-flight failure of the left elevator control torque tube. Contributing to the accident was the improper assembly of the elevator control torque tubes. - [NTSB DCA13MA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA13MA081.md): Boeing 747-400 BCF · Bagram, Afghanistan · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Apr 29, 2013 · N949CA · Destroyed > National Airlines' inadequate procedures for restraining special cargo loads, which resulted in the loadmaster's improper restraint of the cargo, which moved aft and damaged hydraulic systems Nos. 1 and 2 and horizontal stabilizer drive mechanism components,… - [NTSB ERA13FA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA186.md): Robinson R44 · Miami, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 2013 · N3101H · Destroyed > The mechanic's failure to properly secure the pitch link hardware of one main rotor blade to the rotating swash plate, which resulted in the pitch link separating in flight and the pilot's subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the… - [NTSB CEN13FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA192.md): Sikorsky S-76A++ · Grand Lake, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 2013 · N574EH · Destroyed > Fracture of the red tail rotor blade spar, which resulted in the separation and departure of the red tail rotor blade from the helicopter and subsequent compromised tail gearbox. The red tail rotor blade was not recovered, thus the cause of the initial… - [NTSB WPR12LA407](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA407.md): Moore Edward R MXS · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2012 · N21MX · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of aileron and elevator control due to the forward flight control torque tube assembly’s detachment from the forward bearing. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate… - [NTSB ERA12FA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA395.md): Remos Acft Gmbh Flugzeugbau Remos GX · Westminster, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2012 · N206GX · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to ensure that the elevator quick-fastener was properly secured, resulting in an inflight elevator control disconnect and subsequent loss of control during the ensuing emergency landing. Contributing… - [NTSB WPR12FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA155.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300 · Salinas, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2012 · N45R · Substantial damage > A loose portable XM-GPS antenna that migrated to the tail section of the airplane and jammed the elevator bell crank. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to account for the cockpit portable GPS antenna during preflight or postflight… - [NTSB DCA12FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA12FA024.md): Bell 214 · Camp Bastion, Afghanistan · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2012 · N5748M · Destroyed > the overtravel of the collective sleeve, which led to a severe and sudden reduction in main rotor blade collective pitch, resulting in a loss of control of the helicopter. The reason for the collective sleeve overtravel could not be determined since much of… - [NTSB CEN11WA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11WA070.md): Bell 212 · Minatitlan Veracruz, Mexico · Accident · 8 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 15, 2010 · XA-IUR · Substantial damage > The government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 212 helicopter that occurred on October 15, 2010. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of… - [NTSB WPR10FA440](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA440.md): Hiller UH 12E · Kamiah, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2010 · N67264 · Substantial damage > In-flight impact of a passenger's metal clipboard with the helicopter’s tail rotor, which resulted in destruction of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The original location of the clipboard and how it became free could not be… - [NTSB WPR10LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA195.md): Snow Rocket F1 · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2010 · N28VS · Substantial damage > The pilot's inability to maintain control due to the in-flight failure and separation of the pilot's flight control stick. The reason for the flight control stick failure could not be determined. - [NTSB ERA10FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA195.md): Piper PA46 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2010 · N6913Z · Destroyed > A malfunction of the flight controls for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB CEN10LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA099.md): Buckeye DM · Sublette, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2010 · N582DW · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft, which resulted in a midair collision while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB WPR10FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA009.md): Piper PA-12 · Burlington, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2009 · N2087C · Substantial damage > The pilot's in-flight loss of control due to his failure to correctly connect the elevator control cables during the restoration/rebuild of the airplane. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's decision to perform a high-speed taxi test prior to having… - [NTSB WPR09LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA202.md): Alexander Thomas P Sportsman GS-2 · El Dorado HIlls, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2009 · N209TP · Destroyed > The in-flight separation of the elevator control torque tube rod end bearing from the elevator torque tube as a result of incorrectly tightened rod end bearing lock nuts. - [NTSB ERA09FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA141.md): Remos Remos GX · Sebring, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2009 · N9GX · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight assembly and inspection which resulted in the pushrod connection to the left aileron not being connected, which led to a subsequent inflight loss of control and impact with terrain. - [NTSB CHI08MA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08MA270.md): Convair CV-580 · Columbus, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2008 · N587X · Destroyed > The improper (reverse) rigging of the elevator trim cables by company maintenance personnel, and their subsequent failure to discover the misrigging during required post-maintenance checks. Contributing to the accident was the captain’s inadequate… - [NTSB MIA08LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA121.md): Mckeehan James F Acroduster II SA750 · Panama City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2008 · N363J · Substantial damage > The pilot's inability to recover from an intentional aerobatic maneuver due to loss of aileron control. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an inadequate aileron secondary stop block against the main spar of both lower wings. - [NTSB LAX08LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA160.md): Quad City Ultralight Challenger LSS · Moses Lake, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2008 · N95478 · Substantial damage > The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an in-flight separation of the vertical fin as a result of the failure of the airplane's builder to properly secure the vertical fin to the fuselage. - [NTSB DEN08FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08FA058.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Sterling, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2008 · N62793 · Destroyed > The loss of pitch control during cruise flight resulting from the separation of the stabilator trim actuator due to inadequate maintenenace. ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql 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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '333' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence?fatal=1 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.