# NTSB investigations: Flight control system, general

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 2 · 65 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA115.md): Mightyfly MF-100 · Atwater, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 2, 2026 · N258MF · Destroyed
  > A 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.
- [NTSB CEN25LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA267.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Wyoming, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2025 · N647RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain a positive climb rate due to airplane’s improper takeoff configuration.
- [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 CEN24LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA207.md): Cirrus SR20 · Aitkin, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2024 · N275RS · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR24LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA134.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2024 · N17592 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of collective control authority due to fatigue failure of the collective servo cylinder extension arms from corrosion pitting.
- [NTSB CEN24LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA128.md): Eurocopter Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 · West Lafayette, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 7, 2024 · N191LL · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB WPR24FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA072.md): Kubicek BB85Z · Eloy, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 14, 2024 · N4961D · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN23LA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA424.md): Powrachute Pegasus · Caddo Mills, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2023 · N31520 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate rolling preflight, which resulted in a loss of directional control in flight and subsequent collision with an object during landing.
- [NTSB ERA23LA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA376.md): Embraer S A EMB-545 · St. Simons Island, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Sep 21, 2023 · N434FX · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [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 ERA23LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA298.md): Douglas A-4K · MCAS Cherry Point, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 12, 2023 · N143EM · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB DCA23LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23LA340.md): Supernal SUP83-1 · California City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 29, 2023 · N283TD · Substantial damage
  > Erroneous signal processing that resulted in a total loss of propulsion power.
- [NTSB CEN23LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA150.md): Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2 · Cahokia, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 9, 2023 · N372PA · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [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 CEN22LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA333.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Waterloo, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N442JE · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the flight controls for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA22LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA310.md): Cubcrafters CC11-160 · Findlay, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 3, 2022 · N55JV · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA22LA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA342.md): Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm BO_105S · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2022 · N160TH · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB WPR22LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA236.md): Bell 206B · Merced, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 24, 2022 · N915B · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN22FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA214.md): Cessna 152 · Wauwatosa, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 26, 2022 · N4978B · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN22LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA038.md): Piper PA-22-160 · West Union, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 15, 2021 · N3463Z · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the flight controls for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.
- [NTSB CEN21FA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA364.md): Cessna 210H · Melbourne, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 9, 2021 · N5940F · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane with full flaps during the takeoff.
- [NTSB DCA21LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21LA094.md): Bell APT70 · Fort Benning, GA · Accident · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2021 · N314AQ · Substantial damage
  > failure of an electronic speed controller that resulted in a descent and impact with trees.
- [NTSB WPR21LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA033.md): Schleicher ASK21 · Minden, NV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 6, 2020 · N684KS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper application of the airbrakes during final approach, which resulted in a landing area undershoot and subsequent hard, bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR20LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA301.md): Lake LA4 · Rawlins, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 25, 2020 · N93AB · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA20CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA062.md): Bell 47G · Groveland, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 7, 2019 · N6746D · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR20LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA001.md): Buckeye Breeze · Moore, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2019 · N582UT · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR18LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA242.md): Bell 212 · Dardanelle, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 25, 2018 · N512TA · Substantial damage
  > An 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.
- [NTSB CEN18LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA157.md): Hartline J Bon Hartline Kitfox III · Marathon, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N73BH · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA18CA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA210.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Franklin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 11, 2018 · N622MP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s abrupt cyclic control input during the touch-down autorotation.
- [NTSB ERA17LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA263.md): Sikorsky S-97A · Jupiter, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2017 · N971SK · Substantial damage
  > A 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…
- [NTSB WPR17LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA163.md): British BAC Stkmstr MK80 · Henderson, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 24, 2017 · N605GV · Destroyed
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN17FA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA249.md): Flight Design Ctsw · Monticello, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2017 · N62JN · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB CEN17FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA111.md): Cessna 172S · Berthoud, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2017 · N2461N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilots to apply prompt and/or correct flight control inputs to adequately recover from the intentional aerodynamic spin.
- [NTSB GAA17CA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA148.md): Beech A23 · Beckwourth, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 14, 2017 · N425RS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadvertent use of the control yoke to correct for a drift and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN16FA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA372.md): Agusta A109 · Alexandria, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2016 · N91NM · Destroyed
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ANC16CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16CA051.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2016 · N719TF · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.
- [NTSB DCA16FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16FA199.md): Bell 525 · Italy, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2016 · N525TA · Destroyed
  > A 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…
- [NTSB GAA16CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA105.md): Engineering & Research Ercoupe 415 · Chappell, NE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 13, 2016 · N87405 · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA16LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA030.md): Hughes 369D · Marion, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2015 · N920JP · Substantial damage
  > A 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.
- [NTSB CEN15LA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA395.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Port O'Connor, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2015 · N429AR · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the tail rotor pitch change link spherical bearing housing as a result of corrosion pitting.
- [NTSB ERA15CA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA020.md): Airborne Windsports PTY Edge XT 912 L · Sebring, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2014 · N29ME · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA14LA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA329.md): Flight Design CT-SW 2006 · Gasport, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2014 · N508CT · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN14LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA048.md): Eurocopter Deutschland EC135P1 · Shreveport, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2013 · N911KB · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic's improper installation of the antitorque pedals, which resulted in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.
- [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 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 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.
- [NTSB WPR12FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA155.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300 · Salinas, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2012 · N45R · Substantial damage
  > A 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…
- [NTSB ERA12CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA013.md): Loehle Loehle P-40 · Tullahoma, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 3, 2011 · N414L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR11LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA275.md): Buckeye Breeze LX · Montague, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2011 · N300DN · Minor damage
  > The 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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022700/cases.md?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."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
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022700/cases

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