# NTSB investigations: Rudder control system

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 · 93 cases

## Latest cases

- [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 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 CEN23LA425](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA425.md): Air Tractor AT-802 · Herington, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2023 · N445HA · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR23LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA269.md): CSP Leasing MTO Sport · Gardiner, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2023 · N207AG · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the rudder/nosewheel steering system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in loss of yaw control and a subsequent rollover.
- [NTSB CEN23LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA211.md): W10 Tailwind · Penrose, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2023 · N456TW · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right rudder pedal stop due to an inadequate weld, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground.
- [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 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 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 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 CEN22LA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA302.md): Pitts S1 · Sturgeon Bay, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2022 · N23RS · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA22LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA198.md): Cessna 310 · Selma, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 13, 2022 · N7733Q · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA22LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA143.md): Piper PA28 · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 2, 2022 · N5627W · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB WPR22LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA093.md): Cessna 152 · Chemehuevi Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 8, 2022 · N6496L · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN22LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA066.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Tahlequah, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 3, 2021 · N3372A · Substantial damage
  > A 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.
- [NTSB WPR22LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA003.md): Interstate S-1A · Independence, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2021 · N37317 · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the left rudder pedal interconnect cable during takeoff, which resulted in the student pilot’s inability to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB ANC21LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA093.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Chandalar Shelf, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2021 · N8061D · Substantial damage
  > A 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.
- [NTSB CEN21LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA326.md): Gary James Lail Zenith CH 750 Cruzer · Blossom, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2021 · N9667Z · Substantial damage
  > The improper swaging of the rudder control cable, which disconnected during flight and resulted in the loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA21LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA183.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Weyers Cave, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 12, 2021 · N7242F · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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.
- [NTSB WPR21LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA135.md): Aviat A-1C-200 · Carefree, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 19, 2021 · N43LL · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB CEN21LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA033.md): American Champion 7ECA · Longview, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 7, 2020 · N790L · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a clevis pin in the rudder system which led to a loss of directional control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN20CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA128.md): Cessna 172 · Denver, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 18, 2020 · N1132W · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR20CA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA112.md): De Havilland DHC6 · Boulder City, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 6, 2020 · N72GC · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB ANC20FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA024.md): Cessna 305 · Mokuleia, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2020 · N65070 · Substantial damage
  > A separation of the left rudder cable due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA062.md): Beech 76 · St. Charles, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 16, 2020 · N6630D · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB GAA20CA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA009.md): Aeronca 7AC · Waynesburg, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2019 · N2343E · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA568](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA568.md): Luscombe 8 · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2019 · N25100 · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA500](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA500.md): Piper PA18 · Tok, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2019 · N82253 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and his excessive rudder input, which resulted in a runway excursion and landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB GAA19CA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA359.md): Autogyro Cavalon · Nephi, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2019 · N882M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's insufficient rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA325.md): Aviat A1 · Pingree, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2019 · N35AH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper rudder application during landing on a dirt airstrip, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and subsequent nose-over
- [NTSB GAA19CA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA326.md): Cessna 172 · Orlando, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 8, 2019 · N1589D · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA225.md): Cessna 172 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2019 · N6023V · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA114.md): Piper PA22 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 27, 2019 · N6716B · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA100.md): Cessna A185 · Tacoma, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 14, 2018 · N19EC · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA19CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA072.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Benson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 23, 2018 · N50340 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's overcorrection during the landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB GAA18CA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA379.md): Dan Jelinek Backcountry Supercub · Douglas, WY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 11, 2018 · N7455 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s overcorrection with rudder during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB CEN18LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA211.md): Thrush S2R-H80 · Parkin, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2018 · N6215P · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB GAA18CA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA290.md): Piper PA 14 · Vashon, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 20, 2018 · N1423P · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR18FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA075.md): Cessna 152 · Concord, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2018 · N93316 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB GAA18CA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA020.md): Cessna 150 · Pottsville, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 22, 2017 · N22092 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right rudder cable and subsequent loss of directional control during landing.
- [NTSB ERA17LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA292.md): Hostein K/Hostein S Pietenpol · Albion, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 23, 2017 · N888MG · Substantial damage
  > Loss of directional control due to a restriction of rudder movement.
- [NTSB GAA17CA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA335.md): Cessna 152 · Stow, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2017 · N95821 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s rudder overcorrection during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB GAA17CA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA314.md): Cub Crafters CC19 · Logan, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 30, 2017 · N533AL · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR17LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA102.md): Piper PA 18A · Coeur D'Alene, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 8, 2017 · N245KW · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA17CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA209.md): Cessna 140 · St. Petersburg, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 28, 2017 · N7838B · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA17CA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA179.md): Burkhart Grob G 109B · Mokuleia, HI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 8, 2017 · N109FH · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB GAA16CA476](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA476.md): Luscombe 8 · Juneau, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 10, 2016 · N1263K · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB ERA16LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA296.md): Mantell Allan T Kitfox 4 1200 · Canandaigua, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2016 · N51TM · Substantial damage
  > The 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…
- [NTSB ERA16LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA191.md): Sikes Zenith CH750 Stol · Lawrenceburg, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2016 · N925PS · Substantial damage
  > The 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.
- [NTSB WPR16LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA108.md): Cessna 180 · California City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 2016 · N9370C · Substantial damage
  > A 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.
- [NTSB CEN15FA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA289.md): Cessna 172P · Bartlett, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2015 · N62681 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because an examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact abnormalities.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/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", '01022720'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/cases

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