NTSB investigations
410 cases where the sequence of events included Flight control sys malf/fail.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN15IA079Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna T182T · Cahokia, ILThe 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 CEN15IA076Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Springfield, ILThe 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 WPR15FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Bountiful, UTThe 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 WPR15LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Las Vegas, NVThe 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 ERA15IA008Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna S550 · Tampa, FLThe 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 CEN15WA115Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationRans S7 · Cambaie, Reunion Island, FranceNTSB ERA14CA385Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCote James Rans S 6S · New Berlin, PAThe passenger's inadvertent interference with the rudder controls during the takeoff.NTSB ERA14CA335Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAlexander Schleicher K 7 · Mocksville, NCThe 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 ANC14FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Anchorage, AKThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging.NTSB WPR14LA225Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEmery Mark Rotorway 162F · Merced, CAThe 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 ANC14LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3T · Homer, AKThe 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 CEN14IA172Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 560XL · Traverse City, MIThe 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 WPR14CA136Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportNorman Quad City Challenger · Monroe, WAThe 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 CEN14IA121Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 680 · Wheeling, ILThe 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 WPR14CA006Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSiemens Rotorway Exec 162F · Nampa, IDA 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 WPR14CA004Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportVenables Zenith CH701 · Snohomish, WAA 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 WPR13FA400Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCantrell LW Challenger II SP · Prineville, ORThe 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 ENG13WA044Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBombardier CL600 2B19 · Moscow, RussiaOn 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 ERA13LA410Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188B · Woodrow, SCA failure of the right rudder pedal arm due to corrosion as a result of inadequate maintenance and inspection of the rudder pedal assembly.NTSB CEN13LA518Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCB · Pearsall, TXThe 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 ERA13IA396Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Chesapeake, VAMaintenance 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 DCA13WA157Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 777 · Melbourne, AustraliaThe 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 CEN13LA437Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28A · Danbury, TXThe loss of collective control for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive fire damage.NTSB ERA13IA326Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34 · Palm Coast, FLThe 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 ERA13IA267Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Tallahassee, FLThe failure of the elevator trim cable due to fatigue cracking, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s repeated inadequate inspection of the cable.NTSB WPR13LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Bakersfield, CAThe failure of the right main landing gear link assembly, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing during landing.NTSB ERA13LA229Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Erwinna, PAThe 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 DCA13MA081Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-400 BCF · Bagram, AfghanistanNational 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 WPR13LA189Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Santa Monica, CAThe 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 CEN13LA225Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAtkins ACRO-SPORT I · Midland, LAThe failure of the left elevator torque tube due to poor quality welds by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of pitch control.NTSB ERA13LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFranke Russell J Searey · Polk City, FLAn 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 ERA13FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Miami, FLThe 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 CEN13FA192Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A++ · Grand Lake, LAFracture 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 CEN13LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Forrest City, ARThe 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 ERA13LA116Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Ellington, CTThe 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 ERA13IA114Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 560XL · Debary, FLAn 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 WPR13LA087Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell OH-58C · Riverdale, CAA 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 WPR13LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKaufmann Vans RV-10 · Las Vegas, NVA 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 WPR13LA063Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-1T · Billings, MTThe pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll because of the failure of the tailwheel support bracket.NTSB ERA13LA069Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8 · Merritt Island, FLThe 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 ERA13LA052Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaller Charles R Rans S12-XL · Gordon, ALA 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 CEN13FA038Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiaggio P180 · Boyne City, MIThe 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 ENG13WA001Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Lyon, FranceOn 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 WPR12FA421Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportFrederick F 1 · Reno, NVThe 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 WPR12LA407Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoore Edward R MXS · Borrego Springs, CAThe 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 WPR12TA364Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Sunburst, MTThe 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 CEN12IA554Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 560XL · Des Moines, IAA 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 ERA12LA505Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · Bay Minette, ALThe 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 CEN12LA525Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 214ST · Avalon, TXMaintenance 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 WPR12LA341Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Cody, WYThe failure of a tail rotor driveshaft coupling due to fatigue.