# 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.

Page 3 of 9 · 410 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ERA22LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA167.md): Cessna 172P · Winder, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 25, 2022 · N62283 · Destroyed
  > Maintenance 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 DCA22WA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22WA096.md): Embraer E190 · Los Mochis, Mexico · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Mar 1, 2022 · N961UW · No damage
- [NTSB GAA22WA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA155.md): Cessna 172 · Les Saintes Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe · Accident · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 18, 2022 · F-OOOO · Substantial damage
- [NTSB GAA22WA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA094.md): Robinson R22 · Mitchell, Australia · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Foreign · Jan 11, 2022 · VH-VHE · Minor damage
- [NTSB DCA22WA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22WA079.md): Beech 1900 · Lorraine, France · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 10, 2021 · F-GLNH · No damage
- [NTSB GAA22WA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA048.md): BAE ATP · Belfast, United Kingdom · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 27, 2021 · SE-MAP · No damage
- [NTSB WPR22LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA045.md): Elvin Jack R JR Rotorway Exec 162F · Scio, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 22, 2021 · N102LD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper maintenance on the tail rotor assembly, which resulted in the loss of control and roll over.
- [NTSB CEN22LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA038.md): Piper PA-22-160 · West Union, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 15, 2021 · N3463Z · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the flight controls for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.
- [NTSB GAA22WA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA017.md): Cessna 525 · Bristol, United Kingdom · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 20, 2021 · N498YY · No damage
- [NTSB DCA22MA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22MA009.md): Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-87 (MD-87) · Brookshire, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 2 · Major · Final report · Oct 19, 2021 · N987AK · Destroyed
  > The 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 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 ANC21LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA093.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Chandalar Shelf, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2021 · N8061D · Substantial damage
  > A 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 ERA21LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA360.md): Zenith 750 Cruzer · New Smyrna, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2021 · N161AR · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the flight control system, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB DCA21WA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA219.md): Embraer ERJ190 · Maiquetia, Venezuela · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 25, 2021 · YV2912 · No damage
- [NTSB DCA21WA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA221.md): Airbus A300 · Marquetia, Venezuela · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 21, 2021 · YV562T · No damage
- [NTSB ANC21LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA075.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 10, 2021 · N1264A · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the control stick during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB DCA21WA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA205.md): Boeing 737 · Perth, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 31, 2021 · UNK · No damage
- [NTSB GAA21WA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA191.md): Bell 206 · Policka, Czechia · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 30, 2021 · OK-BWR
- [NTSB CEN21LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA346.md): HpH, Spol. S.R.O. Glasflügel 304S · Briggs, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N304AB · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC21LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA064.md): Piper PA-14 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2021 · N4206H · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ENG21WA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21WA046.md): Boeing 737 · Enroute, Germany · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 7, 2021 · EI-STM · No damage
- [NTSB WPR21LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA238.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Twisp, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2021 · N6917Z · Substantial damage
  > An 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 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 GAA21WA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA074.md): Piper J3 · Epse, Netherlands · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 15, 2021 · NC50601 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ENG21WA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21WA024.md): BAE ATP · Ronaldsway, Isle of Man · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 9, 2021 · SE-LPS · No damage
- [NTSB DCA21WA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA111.md): Airbus A320 · Lima, Peru · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Mar 27, 2021 · CC-AZE · Minor damage
- [NTSB DCA21LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21LA094.md): Bell APT70 · Fort Benning, GA · Accident · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2021 · N314AQ · Substantial damage
  > failure of an electronic speed controller that resulted in a descent and impact with trees.
- [NTSB ERA21LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA131.md): Piper PA-18 · Lake Placid, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 10, 2021 · N8183C · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA21LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA106.md): American AA5 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 19, 2021 · N5880L · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA21WA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA081.md): Boeing 737 · Mexico City, Mexico · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Jan 6, 2021 · HP-1526CMP · No damage
- [NTSB DCA21WA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA033.md): Boeing 737 · Capetown, South Africa · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 22, 2020 · ZS-OAF · No damage
- [NTSB WPR21LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA039.md): Agusta A109 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 6, 2020 · N109EX · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA20WA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20WA151.md): Bombardier CL600 2D24 · Gallivare, Sweden · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Sep 10, 2020 · EC-ACD · Minor damage
- [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 CEN20WA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA434.md): Raytheon Hawker · Le Bourget, France · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 21, 2020 · F-HREX · No damage
- [NTSB ERA20CA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA246.md): Piper PA22 · Cortland, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2020 · N2716P · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN20LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA259.md): Sopwith Type 9400 · Van Alstyne, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 3, 2020 · N5539 · Substantial damage
  > An inflight loss of aileron control due to movement of a control connector.
- [NTSB ERA20CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA232.md): Ayres S2R · Perry, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 27, 2020 · N4032L · Substantial damage
  > The reported malfunction of the aileron flight control system during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN20LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA173.md): Titan Titan Tornado S · Haskell, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 9, 2020 · N318WH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot/builder’s addition of winglets to the stabilator, which resulted in flutter and overstress failure of the stabilator control horn.
- [NTSB ENG20LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG20LA031.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350 · Clewiston, FL · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 3, 2020 · N1WT · No damage
  > Seizure 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 ERA20CA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA168.md): Dayton-Wright DH-4 · Bowling Green, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 2, 2020 · N32517 · Substantial damage
  > A 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 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 DCA20LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20LA100.md): Sikorsky S61 · Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 20, 2020 · N908CH · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue 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 WPR20WA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20WA317.md): Robinson R44 · Mareeba Aerodrome, Australia · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 3, 2020 · VH-RJN · No damage
- [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 DCA20WA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20WA074.md): Boeing 757 · San Jose, Costa Rica · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Feb 9, 2020 · N200UU · No damage
  > The 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 ENG20WA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG20WA034.md): Bombardier CL600 2C10 · Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport, France · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jan 23, 2020 · F-GRZL · No damage
  > The 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 ERA20LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA080.md): Team Rocket F-1 F-1 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 24, 2019 · N230BW · Substantial damage
  > A 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 CEN20WA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA056.md): Learjet 45 · Geneva, Switzerland · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Dec 18, 2019 · D-CNMB · No damage
  > The 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 WPR20TA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20TA039.md): Enstrom F28 · Riverton, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Dec 11, 2019 · N65RS · Substantial damage
  > The 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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?page=4

## 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."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?page=3

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