# 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 6 of 9 · 410 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN15IA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15IA079.md): Cessna T182T · Cahokia, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2014 · N93CL · No damage
  > The mechanic’s improper installation of the elevator trim actuator, which resulted in reversed elevator trim control, and his subsequent failure to detect the misrigging of the elevator cables during the postmaintenance inspection.
- [NTSB CEN15IA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15IA076.md): Cessna 182S · Springfield, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2014 · N661SP · Minor damage
  > The improper installation of a doubler patch, which prevented the right flap from actuating and moving properly and led to the subsequent interference with the aileron.
- [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 WPR15LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA024.md): Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2014 · N763DT · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the rudder cable due to tension overstress as a result of the cable’s strength being compromised by wear damage, which resulted in the flight instructor’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB ERA15IA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15IA008.md): Cessna S550 · Tampa, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2014 · N550AJ · No damage
  > The lack of flat roller bearings in the two elevator trim tab actuators and maintenance personnel’s inadequate lubrication of the left elevator trim tab actuator, both of which resulted in the overstress fracture of the left internal screw and subsequent…
- [NTSB CEN15WA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15WA115.md): Rans S7 · Cambaie, Reunion Island, France · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Aug 12, 2014 · N974GL · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA14CA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA385.md): Cote James Rans S 6S · New Berlin, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2014 · N502CW · Substantial damage
  > The passenger's inadvertent interference with the rudder controls during the takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA14CA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA335.md): Alexander Schleicher K 7 · Mocksville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 6, 2014 · N9156 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to install an additional cushion to elevate his passenger and his failure to insure the cushion would not interfere with the control stick movement resulting in limited movement of the elevator in flight and collision with a fence during…
- [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 WPR14LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA225.md): Emery Mark Rotorway 162F · Merced, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2014 · N78291 · Destroyed
  > The helicopter pilot/owner's decision to install a belt type not recommended by the kit manufacturer in the tail rotor drive system using the incorrect tension values, which led to the belt’s in-flight failure and the subsequent loss of tail rotor drive…
- [NTSB ANC14LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14LA035.md): Dehavilland DHC-3T · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 2014 · N3125N · Substantial damage
  > The flutter failure of the right elevator servo tab due to the improper fabrication of the servo tab and maintenance personnel’s subsequent failure to detect anomalies with the servo tab.
- [NTSB CEN14IA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14IA172.md): Cessna 560XL · Traverse City, MI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2014 · N580QS · No damage
  > The inoperative galley drain tube heater, which allowed water within the tube to freeze and led to its failure; the tube’s failure allowed water to drain onto the rudder cables and freeze and resulted in the rudder binding during landing.
- [NTSB WPR14CA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA136.md): Norman Quad City Challenger · Monroe, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 13, 2014 · N345MN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate construction of the propeller bracket, which resulted in its failure during the initial climb and the propeller subsequently departing the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN14IA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14IA121.md): Cessna 680 · Wheeling, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2014 · N531RC · No damage
  > The disconnection of the left elevator trim driveshaft from the trim actuator due to the elevator trim tab drive pin becoming dislodged, which resulted in full nose-down elevator trim.
- [NTSB WPR14CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA006.md): Siemens Rotorway Exec 162F · Nampa, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 5, 2013 · N104BJ · Substantial damage
  > A flight control malfunction during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined. No follow-up examination was conducted due to a lapse in agency funding and subsequent government shutdown.
- [NTSB WPR14CA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA004.md): Venables Zenith CH701 · Snohomish, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 3, 2013 · N143TZ · Substantial damage
  > A jammed rudder control while maneuvering in the pattern for reasons that could not be determined. No follow-up examination was conducted due to a lapse in agency funding and subsequent government shutdown.
- [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 ENG13WA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG13WA044.md): Bombardier CL600 2B19 · Moscow, Russia · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Sep 7, 2013 · TC-EJA
  > On September 7, 2013 a MNG Jet charter flight, a Bombardier Canadair CL-600-2B19-7763, registration TC-EJA, landed at Vnukovo International Airport, Moscow, Russian Federation, with the nose landing gear extended and both main gear retracted. The…
- [NTSB ERA13LA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA410.md): Cessna 188B · Woodrow, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2013 · N59JK · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the right rudder pedal arm due to corrosion as a result of inadequate maintenance and inspection of the rudder pedal assembly.
- [NTSB CEN13LA518](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA518.md): American Champion 7GCB · Pearsall, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2013 · N9967Y · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the rudder cable due to electrical arcing damage from contact with an unguarded battery and the pilot's subsequent loss of control during the go-around.
- [NTSB ERA13IA396](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13IA396.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Chesapeake, VA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2013 · N2091W · No damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection and compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive, which resulted in an undetected corroded and cracked stabilator turnbuckle and the subsequent failure of the turnbuckle and loss of…
- [NTSB DCA13WA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA13WA157.md): Boeing 777 · Melbourne, Australia · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Aug 15, 2013 · VH-VPF · No damage
  > The Australian Transportation Safety Board (ATSB) has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 777 that occurred on August 15, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under…
- [NTSB CEN13LA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA437.md): Enstrom F-28A · Danbury, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2013 · N287Q · Substantial damage
  > The loss of collective control for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive fire damage.
- [NTSB ERA13IA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13IA326.md): Piper PA-34 · Palm Coast, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2013 · N767PE · No damage
  > The installation of an incorrect rudder trim tab control rod by unknown maintenance personnel, which resulted in the rod failing in flight due to overload and subsequent uncontrolled rudder oscillations.
- [NTSB ERA13IA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13IA267.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Tallahassee, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2013 · N633TC · No damage
  > The failure of the elevator trim cable due to fatigue cracking, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s repeated inadequate inspection of the cable.
- [NTSB WPR13LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA238.md): Cessna 310R · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 8, 2013 · N6096C · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right main landing gear link assembly, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing during landing.
- [NTSB ERA13LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA229.md): Schweizer SGS 2-33A · Erwinna, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 2013 · N2045T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of glider control due to improper rigging of the rudder control cables, the mechanic’s inadequate flight control checks following the glider’s most recent annual inspection, and the pilot’s failure to perform a thorough preflight inspection.
- [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 WPR13LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA189.md): Beech 95-C55 · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 2013 · N153NL · Substantial damage
  > The left main wheel locking up during the landing roll, which resulted in the deflation of the tire, the left main landing gear collapse, and the subsequent loss of control during the runway exit.
- [NTSB CEN13LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA225.md): Atkins ACRO-SPORT I · Midland, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 2013 · N5897 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the left elevator torque tube due to poor quality welds by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of pitch control.
- [NTSB ERA13LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA198.md): Franke Russell J Searey · Polk City, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2013 · N92319 · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with the water wake from a larger amphibious airplane before takeoff and the pilot's subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane during which he failed to note damage caused by the wake encounter.
- [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 CEN13LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA168.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Forrest City, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 2013 · N198LA · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the left aileron's push-pull rod and hardware. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel to apply proper torque to the self-locking nuts.
- [NTSB ERA13LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA116.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Ellington, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2013 · N26NE · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the collective push-pull tube and jackshaft assembly, which resulted in the total loss of helicopter control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate supervision of maintenance personnel by the operator…
- [NTSB ERA13IA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13IA114.md): Cessna 560XL · Debary, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2013 · N662QS · No damage
  > An accumulation of debris in the airplane’s bilge drain holes that prevented accumulated moisture from properly draining; the accumulated moisture subsequently froze around the elevator control components, which resulted in the flight control stiffness.…
- [NTSB WPR13LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA087.md): Bell OH-58C · Riverdale, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2013 · N911PT · Substantial damage
  > A flight control malfunction while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined because it was not possible to establish whether observed damage to the flight control assembly was the result of wreckage recovery efforts or a preexisting condition.
- [NTSB WPR13LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA093.md): Kaufmann Vans RV-10 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2012 · N104BK · Substantial damage
  > A missing elevator control assembly attachment bolt, which rendered the elevator control system ineffective and resulted in a loss of pitch control, and the pilot’s incorrect installation of the elevator control assembly.
- [NTSB WPR13LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA063.md): Aerotek Pitts S-1T · Billings, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N49309 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll because of the failure of the tailwheel support bracket.
- [NTSB ERA13LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA069.md): Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8 · Merritt Island, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 2012 · N155JD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue a cross-country flight as a primary control (aileron) system anomaly progressively worsened. Contributing to the accident was an aileron control system anomaly, the reason for which could not be determined because the…
- [NTSB ERA13LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA052.md): Waller Charles R Rans S12-XL · Gordon, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 2012 · N933CW · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the elevator pitch trim cable, which resulted in aerodynamic flutter of the elevator in flight and the airplane’s subsequent nose-over during the resultant precautionary landing.
- [NTSB CEN13FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA038.md): Piaggio P180 · Boyne City, MI · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 2012 · N401WS · Substantial damage
  > The select/bypass valve's failure to seal correctly because of improper shimming, which resulted in an uncommanded and uncontrollable left turn during landing. Contributing to the accident was the overhaul facility's improper overhaul of the steering manifold.
- [NTSB ENG13WA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG13WA001.md): Beech 1900 · Lyon, France · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Oct 9, 2012 · F-GOPE · No damage
  > On October 09, 2012, at 9:40 am local time, a Beechcraft 1900, F-GOPE, operated by Hex'Air, experienced a elevator trim system failure after take-off at Lyon-Saint Exupery airport(LFLL), France. A post flight inspection revealed that the elevator trim forward…
- [NTSB WPR12FA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA421.md): Frederick F 1 · Reno, NV · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2012 · N158CF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the airplane above the established never-exceed speed and the incorrect installation of the trim tab control horn, which resulted in the flutter of the left elevator trim tab.
- [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 WPR12TA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12TA364.md): American Eurocopter AS350B3 · Sunburst, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 18, 2012 · N3939A · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the engine-to-main gearbox flex coupling, which resulted in the failure of the flex coupling and a loss of power to the rotor system during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN12IA554](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12IA554.md): Cessna 560XL · Des Moines, IA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2012 · N108EK · Minor damage
  > A temporary loss of control during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postincident examination of the autopilot, pitch trim systems, and horizontal stabilizer revealed no anomalies consistent with a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA12LA505](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA505.md): Piper PA-22-160 · Bay Minette, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2012 · N9216D · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the tailwheel linkage for reasons that could not be determined because the linkage was not located, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN12LA525](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA525.md): Bell 214ST · Avalon, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2012 · N409SB · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly torque the retaining nut and install the cotter pin that secured the helicopter’s tail rotor counterweight bellcrank. Contributing to the accident was the lack of detailed maintenance records that documented…
- [NTSB WPR12LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA341.md): Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Cody, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2012 · N5038F · Substantial damage
  > The failure of a tail rotor driveshaft coupling due to fatigue.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?page=7

## 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=6

---
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.