NTSB investigations

65 cases where NTSB found Flight control system, general.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 65 cases
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Latest cases

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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '01022700'))
  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.

NTSB WPR26LA115Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMightyfly MF-100 · Atwater, CAA control system anomaly, which resulted in the overload and failure of one of the propulsion motor systems during the transition from hover to forward flight.Mar 2, 2026 · N258MF · DestroyedNTSB CEN25LA267Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Wyoming, ILThe pilot’s failure to attain a positive climb rate due to airplane’s improper takeoff configuration.Jul 15, 2025 · N647RA · Substantial damageNTSB DCA25LA174Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPyka Pelican · Dixon, CAThe 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.Mar 28, 2025 · N939NP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA207Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Aitkin, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during the go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane’s flaps during the go-around.Jun 1, 2024 · N275RS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA134Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Tracy, CAA loss of collective control authority due to fatigue failure of the collective servo cylinder extension arms from corrosion pitting.Apr 23, 2024 · N17592 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA128Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 · West Lafayette, INThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly install the tail rotor pitch change slider attachment hardware (T-bolt), which led to the disconnection of the pitch change slider, a loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the…Mar 7, 2024 · N191LL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA072Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKubicek BB85Z · Eloy, AZThe pilot’s decision to open the rapid deflation valve during flight as a means of descending, which resulted in the deflation of the envelope and hard impact with terrain.Jan 14, 2024 · N4961D · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA424Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPowrachute Pegasus · Caddo Mills, TXThe pilot’s inadequate rolling preflight, which resulted in a loss of directional control in flight and subsequent collision with an object during landing.Sep 28, 2023 · N31520 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA376Accident · No injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportEmbraer S A EMB-545 · St. Simons Island, GAThe control laws of the angle of attack limiter protection system, which precluded the system from disengaging during an approach in gusting wind conditions, limiting the flight crew’s ability to control the airplane’s pitch and resulting in a hard landing.Sep 21, 2023 · N434FX · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA319Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · North Charleston, SCA 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.Aug 1, 2023 · N31PB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA298Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDouglas A-4K · MCAS Cherry Point, NCThe pilot’s failure to identify and appropriately respond to an anomalous nose-down trim condition during the takeoff roll, which resulted in his decision to eject and the airplane’s subsequent runway excursion.Jul 12, 2023 · N143EM · Substantial damageNTSB DCA23LA340Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSupernal SUP83-1 · California City, CAErroneous signal processing that resulted in a total loss of propulsion power.Jun 29, 2023 · N283TD · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA150Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHelicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2 · Cahokia, ILThe lack of proper attachment of the cyclic control that resulted in a loss of control during a landing approach and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance performed.Apr 9, 2023 · N372PA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA132Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStilp Tanner E Savannah S · Trenton, SCThe loss of control during the base turn to final due to the impingement of the Y-stick control by a notepad.Feb 28, 2023 · N945HS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA333Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Waterloo, ILThe malfunction of the flight controls for undetermined reasons.Jul 22, 2022 · N442JE · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA310Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Findlay, OHThe pilot/mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the faulty horizontal stabilizer trim switch, which resulted in an uncommanded trim movement during the takeoff roll, which resulted in an aborted takeoff, and subsequent nose over.Jul 3, 2022 · N55JV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA342Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMesserschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm BO_105S · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot’s rapid reduction of collective following an in-flight loss of control while lifting from a dolly resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot’s likely inadequate left anti-torque control pedal input during initial…Jun 30, 2022 · N160TH · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA236Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Merced, CAThe in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to a fatigue fracture of one of the KAflex flex frames caused by a loose bolt, which resulted in a total loss of power to the transmission and a subsequent hard landing.Jun 24, 2022 · N915B · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Wauwatosa, WIThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall from which the student pilot could not recover.May 26, 2022 · N4978B · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA038Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · West Union, OHA malfunction of the flight controls for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.Nov 15, 2021 · N3463Z · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21FA364Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210H · Melbourne, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane with full flaps during the takeoff.Aug 9, 2021 · N5940F · DestroyedNTSB DCA21LA094AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell APT70 · Fort Benning, GAfailure of an electronic speed controller that resulted in a descent and impact with trees.Mar 1, 2021 · N314AQ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA033Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchleicher ASK21 · Minden, NVThe student pilot’s improper application of the airbrakes during final approach, which resulted in a landing area undershoot and subsequent hard, bounced landing.Oct 6, 2020 · N684KS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLake LA4 · Rawlins, WYThe 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.Aug 25, 2020 · N93AB · Substantial damageNTSB GAA20CA062Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G · Groveland, FLThe student pilot's improper cyclic input after a reported hydraulic failure, the reason for which could not be determined, and his failure to follow the emergency procedures, which resulted in a hard landing.Nov 7, 2019 · N6746D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Breeze · Moore, UTThe pilot’s improper preflight inspection and detection of a pinch point in the steering line, which resulted in a loss of control in flight and impact with terrain.Oct 5, 2019 · N582UT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA242Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 212 · Dardanelle, CAAn in-flight failure of the trunnion bearing and subsequent failure of the drive link and swashplate support, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control.Aug 25, 2018 · N512TA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18LA157Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHartline J Bon Hartline Kitfox III · Marathon, TXThe failure of the flaperon hinge attachment point during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of reinforcement of the hinge attachment point in accordance with the manufacturer’s service bulletin.May 2, 2018 · N73BH · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA210Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Franklin, CAThe pilot receiving instruction’s abrupt cyclic control input during the touch-down autorotation.Apr 11, 2018 · N622MP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA263Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-97A · Jupiter, FLA design change in the helicopter's fly-by-wire control system that resulted in an increase in the sensitivity of the cyclic stick while transitioning from ground to flight mode, magnifying the pilot's control inputs, which resulted in unintentional over…Aug 2, 2017 · N971SK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA163Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBritish BAC Stkmstr MK80 · Henderson, NVThe failure of the pilot to ensure that the flaps were set to the proper position for takeoff which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne and unable to climb or accelerate and subsequently impacting terrain.Jul 24, 2017 · N605GV · DestroyedNTSB CEN17FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctsw · Monticello, IAThe pilot's decision to fly with his large dog in the two-seat, light sport airplane, and the dog's likely contact with the flight controls during landing, which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and a subsequent aerodynamic stall when the…Jul 1, 2017 · N62JN · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Berthoud, COThe failure of the pilots to apply prompt and/or correct flight control inputs to adequately recover from the intentional aerodynamic spin.Feb 27, 2017 · N2461N · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA148Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A23 · Beckwourth, CAThe student pilot’s inadvertent use of the control yoke to correct for a drift and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.Feb 14, 2017 · N425RS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA372Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109 · Alexandria, MNThe pilot's excessive cyclic input during a missed approach maneuver in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and spiraling descent into terrain.Sep 17, 2016 · N91NM · DestroyedNTSB ANC16CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Homer, AKAn in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.Aug 4, 2016 · N719TF · Substantial damageNTSB DCA16FA199Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBell 525 · Italy, TXA severe vibration of the helicopter that led to the crew's inability to maintain sufficient rotor rotation speed (Nr), leading to excessive main rotor blade flapping, subsequent main rotor blade contact with the tail boom, and the resultant in-flight…Jul 6, 2016 · N525TA · DestroyedNTSB GAA16CA105Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEngineering & Research Ercoupe 415 · Chappell, NEThe pilot's inability to correct for a crosswind during the takeoff roll due to the interlinked flight control design, which resulted in a runway excursion, and a collision with terrain.Jan 13, 2016 · N87405 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Marion, SCA momentary jam in the tail rotor control system from an undetermined source, resulting in a torsional fracture of the tail rotor control torque tube and a loss of helicopter control.Oct 30, 2015 · N920JP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA395Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Port O'Connor, TXThe fatigue failure of the tail rotor pitch change link spherical bearing housing as a result of corrosion pitting.Aug 21, 2015 · N429AR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY Edge XT 912 L · Sebring, FLThe student pilot's inadvertent interference with the weight-shift capability of the airplane during the initial climb, resulting in a loss of airplane control and hard landing.Oct 18, 2014 · N29ME · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA329Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFlight Design CT-SW 2006 · Gasport, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a left turn during takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.Jul 5, 2014 · N508CT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA048Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC135P1 · Shreveport, LAThe mechanic's improper installation of the antitorque pedals, which resulted in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.Nov 9, 2013 · N911KB · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Jan 8, 2013 · N911PT · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Sep 8, 2012 · N21MX · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 18, 2012 · N3939A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12LA341Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Cody, WYThe failure of a tail rotor driveshaft coupling due to fatigue.Jul 31, 2012 · N5038F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA-300 · Salinas, CAA loose portable XM-GPS antenna that migrated to the tail section of the airplane and jammed the elevator bell crank. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to account for the cockpit portable GPS antenna during preflight or postflight…Apr 8, 2012 · N45R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA013Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportLoehle Loehle P-40 · Tullahoma, TNThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff.Oct 3, 2011 · N414L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA275Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye Breeze LX · Montague, CAThe unintended capture of the parachute bridle on a portion of the airframe during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a misinflated or misaligned parachute and an in-flight loss of control.Jun 10, 2011 · N300DN · Minor damage