# Final 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 1 of 7 · 310 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ENG26LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG26LA011.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C11 · Hibbing, MN · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2025 · N707EV · No damage
  > The 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 ERA26LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA009.md): Cessna 182H · Smithfield, RI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 4, 2025 · N1998X · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the elevator trim system, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the maintenance personnel and pilot’s failure to perform adequate post maintenance/preflight inspections.
- [NTSB ERA25LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA303.md): Centrair 101A · Springfield, VT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2025 · N99KG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to assemble the glider’s elevator control before takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN25LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA245.md): Fairchild 24R · Greeley, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 9, 2025 · N81210 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during landing due to excessive wear in the tailwheel steering assembly.
- [NTSB CEN25LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA195.md): Cessna 182 · Charlevoix, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2025 · N71149 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during the takeoff that resulted in multiple bounces and substantial damage to the fuselage.
- [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 DCA25LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25LA174.md): Pyka Pelican · Dixon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 28, 2025 · N939NP · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN25LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA086.md): American Champion 7ECA · Longview, TX · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 16, 2025 · N798L · Substantial damage
  > The 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 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 ERA25LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA079.md): Air Tractor AT504 · Big Cypress, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 18, 2024 · N8516V · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ENG25LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG25LA009.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C11 · Dulles, VA · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 20, 2024 · N501GJ · No damage
  > The 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 CEN25LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA043.md): Pitts S1E · Seguin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 17, 2024 · N52B · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC25LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA008.md): Cub Crafters CC18-180 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 2, 2024 · N55PK · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN25LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA029.md): Cub Crafters Carbon CUB · Ogallala, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2024 · N257ST · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN24LA366](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA366.md): Cessna 172M · Ackerman, MS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 20, 2024 · N73154 · Substantial damage
  > The excessive airplane speed during a no-flap landing, and the pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the interference of the instrument panel wiring with the flight control…
- [NTSB CEN24LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA270.md): Cessna R172E · Hillrose, CO · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2024 · N23788 · Minor damage
  > The binding of the left flap due to improper maintenance.
- [NTSB ERA24LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA263.md): Rotorway Exec · Alva, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 14, 2024 · N99TE · Substantial damage
  > A loss of tail rotor control as a result of unsecured tail rotor drive belt tensioner bolts.
- [NTSB ERA24LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA251.md): William Loren Noggle JA30 Superstol · Tennille, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2024 · N719LN · Substantial damage
  > The 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 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 ERA24LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA128.md): Cub Crafters PA18-150 · Edgewater, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2024 · N143CC · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 CEN24LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA115.md): Beech 400 · Bentonville, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 14, 2024 · N95GK · Substantial damage
  > Improper rigging of the elevator cable over the upper guard pin, which resulted in a cable separation and loss of elevator control.
- [NTSB DCA24LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24LA094.md): Boeing 737-8 · Newark, NJ · Incident · No injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Feb 6, 2024 · N47280 · No damage
  > Moisture 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 WPR24LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA038.md): Beech 95 · Yuma, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 18, 2023 · N2024C · Substantial damage
  > Aeroelastic 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 WPR23LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA317.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Fullerton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2023 · N503JA · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the stabilator actuator from the stabilator tab, which resulted in pitch control surface flutter and structural damage.
- [NTSB ERA23LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA319.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · North Charleston, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 1, 2023 · N31PB · Substantial damage
  > A 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 ERA23LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA253.md): Beech V35A · Statesboro, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2023 · N8074R · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 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 ERA23LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA245.md): Piper PA-25-260 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 25, 2023 · N454AB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper banner pickup approach, which resulted in the banner tow hook contacting the airplane, and the subsequent overload separation of the right rudder control horn, resulting in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN23LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA172.md): Piper PA-34-200 · Coldspring, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 3, 2023 · N28HE · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN23LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA170.md): Luscombe 8F · Palmer, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 30, 2023 · N1113B · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA23LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA132.md): Stilp Tanner E Savannah S · Trenton, SC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 28, 2023 · N945HS · Substantial damage
  > The loss of control during the base turn to final due to the impingement of the Y-stick control by a notepad.
- [NTSB CEN23FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA045.md): Cirrus Design SF50 · Mount Comfort, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 25, 2022 · N15VJ · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA23LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA167.md): Champion 7FC · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 24, 2022 · N6ND · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the rear seat headset, resulting in an obstruction of the airplane’s rudder controls.
- [NTSB ERA23LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA002.md): Aeronca 7AC · Murray, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2022 · N3005E · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN22LA430](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA430.md): Agusta AW139 · Houma, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2022 · N811TA · Substantial damage
  > The inflight loss of collective control of the helicopter due to thermal damage of a collective control torque tube that abraded with misrouted electrical wiring, which resulted in an electrical short and inflight fire. Contributing to the accident were the…
- [NTSB ERA22LA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA428.md): Zenith CH 750 · Cincinnati, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 22, 2022 · N2992W · Substantial damage
  > The airplane builder’s installation of incorrect hardware in the control yoke assembly, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.
- [NTSB DCA22LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22LA212.md): Airbus A330-243 · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 22, 2022 · N393HA · No damage
  > Uncommanded movement of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer control wheel for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR22LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA340.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Banning, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 10, 2022 · N242BH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA22LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA358.md): Cessna 207 · Dillingham, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2022 · N6908M · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 ERA22LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA340.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Mariner · Hollywood, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 27, 2022 · N42WC · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate 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 DCA22LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22LA179.md): Boeing 767-332 · New York, NY · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 7, 2022 · N181DN · No damage
  > The 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 ERA22LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA299.md): Arnold J/Jones D L AIR CAM · Sebring, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 3, 2022 · N6272Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during landing.
- [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 ERA22FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA257.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Fairfield, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 4, 2022 · N98ZA · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the tail rotor crosshead drive plate and the failure of maintenance personnel, the maintenance pilot, and the accident pilot to detect the error, which led to the helicopter’s loss of tail rotor…
- [NTSB CEN22LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA202.md): Cessna 421C · Monroe, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2022 · N619AC · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the maintenance personnel to properly reinstall the elevator trim tab hardware, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the elevator.
- [NTSB ERA22LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA215.md): Cessna 414 · Connellsville, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 2, 2022 · N46TA · Substantial damage
  > The 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 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 WPR22LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA136.md): Downer Bellanca 14-19-2 · Prosser, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2022 · N7658B · Substantial damage
  > An inadequately welded elevator attachment lug, which caused the elevator to partially detach from its bellcrank, resulting in flutter and structural damage.
- [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 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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?status=final&page=2

## 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."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
  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?status=final

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