# 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 8 of 9 · 410 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN10CA569](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA569.md): Central Ohio Dragonfly Clubllc DRAGONFLY-C · Orient, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 26, 2010 · N667DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to disconnect the tow bridal line prior to takeoff.
- [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 ERA10CA425](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA425.md): Ryan Navion B · Fort Myers, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 16, 2010 · N5382K · Substantial damage
  > The binding of the trim wheel on the instrument panel and the pilot’s improper decision to depart with a known mechanical deficiency.
- [NTSB CEN10LA492](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA492.md): Infinity Infinity · Little Rock, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2010 · N208FA · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the control lanyard for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR10CA398](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA398.md): Kirkpatrick Buzzard · Lincoln, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2010 · N84BS · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control due to the mechanical disconnection of an aileron pushrod from its bellcrank as a result of the mechanic's failure to properly secure the pushrod attach hardware. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ENG10IA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG10IA045.md): Bell 430 · Venice, LA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2010 · N430CM · Minor damage
  > The fracture of the collective servo actuator piston rod resulting from stress corrosion cracking.
- [NTSB WPR10LA374](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA374.md): Lancair 320 · Spokane, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2010 · N360N · Substantial damage
  > Loss of airplane control due to the asymmetric flap condition.
- [NTSB CEN10LA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA414.md): Wogenstahl Wallace L Wogenstahl 281 MR · Mount Cory, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2010 · N5281R · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the rivets at the aft fuselage bulkhead which resulted in the pilot not having full elevator control on landing.
- [NTSB ERA10LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA328.md): Parks J L/Dreffin D Seawind 3000 · Sanibel Island, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2010 · N79DJ · Substantial damage
  > An overstress failure of the elevator. Contributing to the accident was the owner/builder's modification of the experimental airplane beyond the recommendations of the kit manufacturer.
- [NTSB CEN10IA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA314.md): Bell 206L-3 · Gulf of Mexico · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2010 · N108PH · Minor damage
  > A suspected failure of the tail rotor for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure of the emergency floats to properly inflate due to improper installment and inspection by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB CEN10RA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10RA345.md): Bell 412 · Campeche, Mexico · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jun 1, 2010 · XA-HSI · Substantial damage
  > On June 1, 2010, approximately 1123 central daylight time, a Bell Helicopter model 412EP, Mexican registration XA-HSI, made a successful water landing after a loss of tail rotor control in the Gulf of Mexico near Campeche, Mexico. The helicopter was en route…
- [NTSB WPR10LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA260.md): Socata TBM · Lost Hills, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 2010 · N750AB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain the proper…
- [NTSB DCA10CA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA10CA061.md): Boeing 747 · Miami, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 17, 2010 · N498MC · Substantial damage
  > impact of the fore flap with the aft fuselage after fatigue failure of the right wing fore flap carriage assembly attachment fitting at position 6.
- [NTSB ANC10CA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA037.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Port Moller, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 6, 2010 · N3774Z · Substantial damage
  > The loss of the left rudder cable retaining bolt during base to final turn, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN10IA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA219.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C10 · Kansas City, MO · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2010 · N160GJ · No damage
  > The malfunction of the airplane’s aileron control system due to ice accumulation.
- [NTSB CEN10CA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA200.md): Quicksilver Sport 2S · Canton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 9, 2010 · N439MM · Substantial damage
  > The airplane builder’s improper installation of the left rear wing strut eyebolt.
- [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 CEN10IA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA157.md): Embraer EMB-145LR · Chicago, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2010 · N16561 · Minor damage
  > An in-flight encounter with lightning. Contributing to the incident was the damaged and displaced tailcone bulkhead frame that inhibited the full travel of the elevator during approach.
- [NTSB CEN10CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA132.md): Cessna 172 · Davis, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 28, 2010 · N72TN · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [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 CEN10CA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA091.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 5, 2010 · N28446 · Substantial damage
  > The restricted elevator control movement for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN10IA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA084.md): ATR ATR72 · Dallas, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2009 · N494AE · Minor damage
  > A fatigue failure of an elevator stop bracket, which resulted in a partial jam of the elevator control. Contributing to the failure was the improper installation of shim stacks, poor alignment of the brackets, and cyclic stresses acting on the lower stop,…
- [NTSB CEN10CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA022.md): Gottelt Herbert R Kitfox IV/ · Crystal Falls, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2009 · N94HG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an undetermined problem affecting lateral control of the airplane.
- [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 ANC09CA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA094.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2009 · N54182 · Substantial damage
  > A tailwheel malfunction that limited directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a building.
- [NTSB CEN09LA571](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA571.md): Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm BO-105S · Thibodaux, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2009 · N131EH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control due to the mechanic's inadvertent switching of two cyclic control tubes of different lengths during maintenance.
- [NTSB CEN09IA578](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09IA578.md): Cessna 421 · Sugar Land, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2009 · N2349S · Minor damage
  > The improper installation of the pitch trim cable which resulted in it making improper contact with a guard pin that led to the fatigue failure of the cable.
- [NTSB ERA09CA495](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA495.md): Underland/Grothe/Finstrom Mmii (Must · Lantana, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 29, 2009 · N7798R · Substantial damage
  > The delay by both pilots to abort the takeoff resulting in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the unintentional forward movement of the pilot's seat resulting in interference with the control stick.
- [NTSB CEN09LA526](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA526.md): Thrush S2R-T660 · Worthington, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N660RB · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the elevator push-pull rod which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the aircraft's pitch attitude while landing.
- [NTSB CEN09CA522](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA522.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Evansville, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 12, 2009 · N9794 · Substantial damage
  > A jam of the elevator flight control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN09LA486](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA486.md): Gallagher Junior ACE · Oshkosh, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2009 · N413G · Substantial damage
  > The failure of a weld joint on the right rudder pedal leading to the loss of directional control during landing.
- [NTSB ENG09IA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG09IA011.md): Boeing 737 · Diyarbakir, Türkiye · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2009 · TC-TLA · No damage
  > An uncommanded elevator surface deflection as a result of a left elevator PCU input arm assembly jam due to FOD lodged between the input arm assembly and the PCU housing. The FOD was a roller element from an elevator upper torque tube output crank bearing,…
- [NTSB ERA09IA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09IA315.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Greenville, SC · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2009 · N695CD · No damage
  > A pitch control malfunction for undetermined reasons.
- [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 CEN09LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA198.md): Bell 206 · Galliano, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2009 · N410RL · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tail rotor driveshaft and coupling during engine start due to the mechanic's failure to properly reattach the tail rotor driveshaft and coupling during maintenance.
- [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 WPR09IA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09IA070.md): MD Helicopter MD 900 · Kamuela, HI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2008 · N902AF · Minor damage
  > The separation of the endplate bolts for undetermined reasons, resulting in an in-flight separation of the right endplate. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer's failure to provide sufficient guidance for endplate bolt installation.
- [NTSB ERA09LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA107.md): Moore David DM-1 · Salters, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2008 · N75EW · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing following an autorotation that resulted from the separation of the red main rotor blade cap that led to the uncontrolled movement of the cyclic, autorotation and a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR09LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA028.md): Hiller UH-12E · Powder River, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2008 · N61436 · Substantial damage
  > A flight control system malfunction while the helicopter was maneuvering at low altitude due to the failure/separation of the rotor blade control tube.
- [NTSB CEN09IA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09IA032.md): MD Helicopter MD 900 · Amherst, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 2008 · N902NM · Minor damage
  > The failure of the vertical stabilizer control adapter due to reverse bending fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN09IA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09IA003.md): MD Helicopter MD 900 · Weatherford, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2008 · N902RN · Minor damage
  > The failure of the vertical stabilizer control adapter due to reverse bending fatigue.
- [NTSB ERA09IA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09IA009.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Lakeland, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2008 · N101CD · Minor damage
  > A failure of the flap actuator rod end due to low stress, high cycle fatigue, and subsequent overstress failure.
- [NTSB NYC08LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA318.md): Hiller UH-12E · Naruna, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2008 · N3324F · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a main rotor blade drag strut.
- [NTSB MIA08LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA187.md): Piper J5A · Atlanta, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2008 · N105F · Substantial damage
  > The loss of pitch control due to slippage of the elevator control cable resulting from the maintenance personnel’s improper installation and inspection of the cable.
- [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 LAX08LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA251.md): Cessna TU206E · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2008 · N1499M · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the flight control system and loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC08LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA259.md): Sands Thomas E Rotorway 162 · Graysville, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2008 · N412TS · Destroyed
  > A loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX08IA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08IA241.md): MD Helicopters MD 902 · Salinas, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2008 · N902CS · Minor damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to the fatigue failure of the threaded portion of the forward directional control cable as a result of the improper installation a lock washer.
- [NTSB LAX08LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA226.md): Jonsson Sonerai · Hood River, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2008 · N8050R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the emergency landing roll with a tailwind. Contributing was the partial separation of the left aileron that prompted the pilot to attempt the emergency landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?page=9

## 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=8

---
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.
