NTSB investigations

94 cases where NTSB found Rudder control system.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 94 cases
20089
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20103
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20126
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20205
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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\", '01022720'))
  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 CEN26LA088Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Early, TXThe unsecured cup holder that restricted left rudder pedal movement, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing roll.Jan 11, 2026 · N85018 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN25LA043Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPitts S1E · Seguin, TXThe 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.Nov 17, 2024 · N52B · Substantial damageNTSB DCA24LA094Incident · No injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-8 · Newark, NJMoisture 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.Feb 6, 2024 · N47280 · No damageNTSB CEN23LA425Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802 · Herington, KSThe design of the spray valve control lever, which restricted the range of the left rear rudder and brake pedal and resulted in a loss of control during landing.Sep 28, 2023 · N445HA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA269Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCSP Leasing MTO Sport · Gardiner, MTFailure of the rudder/nosewheel steering system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in loss of yaw control and a subsequent rollover.Jun 1, 2023 · N207AG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA211Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportW10 Tailwind · Penrose, COThe failure of the right rudder pedal stop due to an inadequate weld, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground.May 31, 2023 · N456TW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA245Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Hollywood, FLThe 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.May 25, 2023 · N454AB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA170Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLuscombe 8F · Palmer, TXThe 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.Apr 30, 2023 · N1113B · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA167Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 7FC · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s failure to properly secure the rear seat headset, resulting in an obstruction of the airplane’s rudder controls.Oct 24, 2022 · N6ND · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA358Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 207 · Dillingham, AKMaintenance 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.Jul 28, 2022 · N6908M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA302Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPitts S1 · Sturgeon Bay, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and the pilot’s lack of flight control system knowledge.Jul 1, 2022 · N23RS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA198Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Selma, ALThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly rig the rudder trim system after reinstallation and pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection after recent maintenance, which resulted in an inability to adequately maintain directional control during the flight.Apr 13, 2022 · N7733Q · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA143Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Manassas, VAThe student pilot’s improper left rudder input after power application during the touch-and-go landing which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with airport lighting equipment. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate…Mar 2, 2022 · N5627W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA093Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · Chemehuevi Valley, CAThe student pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff.Feb 8, 2022 · N6496L · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA066Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Tahlequah, OKA loss of yaw control while on final approach, which resulted in the pilot performing an off-runway landing, and a subsequent nose over. The reason for the loss of yaw control could not be determined based on the available evidence.Dec 3, 2021 · N3372A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA003Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportInterstate S-1A · Independence, ORThe separation of the left rudder pedal interconnect cable during takeoff, which resulted in the student pilot’s inability to maintain directional control.Oct 2, 2021 · N37317 · Substantial damageNTSB ANC21LA093Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Chandalar Shelf, AKA separation of the rudder cable from the rudder pedal due to the connecting bolt detaching for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of directional control.Sep 17, 2021 · N8061D · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA326Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGary James Lail Zenith CH 750 Cruzer · Blossom, TXThe improper swaging of the rudder control cable, which disconnected during flight and resulted in the loss of control.Jul 17, 2021 · N9667Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA183Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Weyers Cave, VAMaintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the rudder control system, which resulted in failure of the rudder control assembly and the pilot’s loss of control during a go-around.Apr 12, 2021 · N7242F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA135Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAviat A-1C-200 · Carefree, AZThe substandard installation of the airplane’s autopilot system hardware, which resulted in a malfunction of the rudder control system during flight and a loss of directional control during the landing roll.Feb 19, 2021 · N43LL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA033Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 7ECA · Longview, TXThe improper installation of a clevis pin in the rudder system which led to a loss of directional control during landing.Oct 7, 2020 · N790L · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA128Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Denver, COThe pilot's incorrect right rudder application during a touch-and go-landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and a collision with a runway sign.Mar 18, 2020 · N1132W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20CA112Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDe Havilland DHC6 · Boulder City, NVThe trainee pilot's loss of directional control during landing and his subsequent unintentional control interference with the brakes and/or rudder during the trainer pilot's attempted remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a…Mar 6, 2020 · N72GC · Substantial damageNTSB ANC20FA024Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 305 · Mokuleia, HIA separation of the left rudder cable due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain.Feb 22, 2020 · N65070 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA062Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 76 · St. Charles, MOThe pilot receiving instruction’s misunderstanding of the flight instructor’s instruction and the pilot's and the instructor’s insufficient use of rudder while adding power to the operating engine, which resulted in the airplane rolling left and the wing…Jan 16, 2020 · N6630D · Substantial damageNTSB GAA20CA009Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Waynesburg, PAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to his foot slipping off the right pedal and becoming stuck between the pedal and fuselage frame, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.Oct 10, 2019 · N2343E · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA568Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Prescott, AZThe pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent overapplication of rudder pedal, which resulted in a runway excursion and the right wing striking the ground.Aug 30, 2019 · N25100 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA500Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Tok, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his excessive rudder input, which resulted in a runway excursion and landing gear collapse.Jul 27, 2019 · N82253 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA359Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAutogyro Cavalon · Nephi, UTThe pilot's insufficient rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a hard landing.Jun 19, 2019 · N882M · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA325Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAviat A1 · Pingree, IDThe pilot's improper rudder application during landing on a dirt airstrip, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and subsequent nose-overJun 9, 2019 · N35AH · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA326Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Orlando, FLThe student pilot's excessive rudder application during takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and subsequent substantial damage.Jun 8, 2019 · N1589D · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA225Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Scottsdale, AZThe pilot's improper rudder inputs and failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway sign.Apr 20, 2019 · N6023V · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA114Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA22 · Anchorage, AKThe student pilot's overcorrection with rudder during the landing and her subsequent failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, impact with a snowbank, and a nose-over.Jan 27, 2019 · N6716B · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA100Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Tacoma, WAThe pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent overapplication of left rudder, which resulted in the right wing impacting the runway.Dec 14, 2018 · N19EC · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA072Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Benson, AZThe pilot's overcorrection during the landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.Nov 23, 2018 · N50340 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA379Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDan Jelinek Backcountry Supercub · Douglas, WYThe pilot’s overcorrection with rudder during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.Jun 11, 2018 · N7455 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18LA211Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThrush S2R-H80 · Parkin, ARThe improper operation of the rudder pedal adjustment mechanism for an undetermined period of time, which led to the failure of the rudder pedal adjustment track, the detachment of the rudder pedal, and the pilot’s subsequent inability to maintain directional…May 31, 2018 · N6215P · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA290Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 14 · Vashon, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll due to his right foot inadvertently applying pressure to both rudder pedals.May 20, 2018 · N1423P · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Concord, CAA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jan 29, 2018 · N93316 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150 · Pottsville, PAThe failure of the right rudder cable and subsequent loss of directional control during landing.Oct 22, 2017 · N22092 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA292Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHostein K/Hostein S Pietenpol · Albion, NYLoss of directional control due to a restriction of rudder movement.Aug 23, 2017 · N888MG · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA335Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Stow, OHThe student pilot’s rudder overcorrection during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.Jun 12, 2017 · N95821 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA314Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCub Crafters CC19 · Logan, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to the high placement of his feet on the rudder pedals, which led to the inadvertent application of the brakes.May 30, 2017 · N533AL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA102Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18A · Coeur D'Alene, IDThe loss of yaw control due to an inadequately compressed rudder swage, which resulted from inadequate maintenance and led to the separation of the forward right rudder cable.May 8, 2017 · N245KW · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA209Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot receiving instruction’s overcorrection with rudder during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.Mar 28, 2017 · N7838B · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA179Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBurkhart Grob G 109B · Mokuleia, HIThe failure of the upper rudder hinge during flight due to severe corrosion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and the lack of an annual inspection.Mar 8, 2017 · N109FH · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA476Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Juneau, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the foot pad cover slipping off the right rudder pedal during the landing roll.Sep 10, 2016 · N1263K · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA296Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMantell Allan T Kitfox 4 1200 · Canandaigua, NYThe failure of the right rudder pedal torque tube due to fatigue, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing. Also causal to the accident was the airplane owner/builder's failure to install a rudder torque tube reinforcement or replacement…Aug 20, 2016 · N51TM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA191Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikes Zenith CH750 Stol · Lawrenceburg, TNThe pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of control due to an improperly-rigged rudder. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to implement and follow proper flight-testing plans.May 22, 2016 · N925PS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA108Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · California City, CAA directional upset on landing due to a thermally induced atmospheric disturbance, which the pilot was unable to successfully counter due to improperly set rudder travel limits.May 13, 2016 · N9370C · Substantial damage