NTSB investigations
74 cases where NTSB found Elevator control system.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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\", '01022730')) 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022730')) 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 ERA26LA130Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTextron 680A · Miami, FLThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the blast fence during taxi to the runway for departure, and their inadequate inspection of the airplane after it contacted the blast fence.NTSB CEN26LA092Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · San Marcos, TXThe flight instructor’s failure to properly configure the elevator trim for the takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to follow the before takeoff checklist.NTSB ENG26LA011Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2C11 · Hibbing, MNThe elevator control restriction was caused by the failure of an elevator autopilot servo control cable which failed due to cyclic fatigue. The slack in the cable wrapped around the servo mount in such a way that it interfered with the rotation of the servo…NTSB ERA25LA303Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCentrair 101A · Springfield, VTThe pilot’s failure to assemble the glider’s elevator control before takeoff.NTSB ANC25LA076Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180H · Gulkana, AKThe failure of the left rudder assembly which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.NTSB ERA25FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VAA counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.NTSB ENG25LA009Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2C11 · Dulles, VAThe elevator control restriction was caused by the failure of the elevator autopilot servo control cable, which failed due to cyclic fatigue. The slack in the broken cable wrapped around the elevator autopilot servo mount in such a way that it was bound…NTSB CEN25LA029Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters Carbon CUB · Ogallala, NEThe improper installation of the elevator control cable hardware, which resulted in the separation of the elevator control cable and a loss of pitch control in flight.NTSB DCA24LA245Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737 · Salt Lake City, UTDelta Air Lines flight 2046 flight crew's incorrect evaluation of the clearance between their airplane and Delta Air Lines flight 2046 as they turned onto a perpendicular taxiway.NTSB ERA24LA251Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWilliam Loren Noggle JA30 Superstol · Tennille, GAThe loss of elevator control during flight due to the elevator control rod and its hardware disconnecting from its installation area, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate…NTSB CEN24LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 400 · Bentonville, ARImproper rigging of the elevator cable over the upper guard pin, which resulted in a cable separation and loss of elevator control.NTSB CEN24FA010Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Patterson, LAThe pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB CEN23FA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Osage Beach, MOThe pilot’s failure to properly set the stabilator trim before takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB ERA23LA002Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Murray, KYThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator cables by maintenance personnel and their subsequent failure to verify that the rigging was correct during post-maintenance checks and the pilot's inadequate preflight check.NTSB WPR22FA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 336 · Porterville, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the elevator control assembly hardware, which resulted in an in-flight disconnection of the elevator and elevator counterweight and the pilot’s inability to maintain pitch control.NTSB ERA22LA215Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 414 · Connellsville, PAThe pilot/mechanic’s failure to properly secure two airplane avionics units, which resulted in the trays supporting the units to sag downward and become lodged in the movement area of the elevator bellcrank during the accident takeoff.NTSB WPR22LA136Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDowner Bellanca 14-19-2 · Prosser, WAAn inadequately welded elevator attachment lug, which caused the elevator to partially detach from its bellcrank, resulting in flutter and structural damage.NTSB DCA22MA009Accident · Serious injuriesClass 2 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-87 (MD-87) · Brookshire, TXThe jammed condition of both elevators, which resulted from exposure to localized, dynamic high wind while the airplane was parked and prevented the airplane from rotating during the takeoff roll. Also causal was the failure of Everts Air Cargo, the pilots’…NTSB ERA22FA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVelocity SE RG · Titusville, FLThe separation of the airplane’s elevator control push-pull tube, which resulted in a loss of control during the approach.NTSB ERA21LA360Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith 750 Cruzer · New Smyrna, FLThe mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the flight control system, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN21LA346Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHpH, Spol. S.R.O. Glasflügel 304S · Briggs, TXThe overstress fracture of the elevator control tube due to reduced wall thickness from water intrusion and subsequent corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a drain hole at the bottom of the elevator control tube, which allowed the tube to…NTSB ERA21LA106Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA5 · Leesburg, VAThe weakened structure of the left horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in elevator flutter and subsequent partial separation of the left elevator in flight. Contributing to the accident were the lack of elevator authority while landing due to the damaged…NTSB ERA21LA068Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35A · Attalla, ALA loss of control inflight and the failure of a component of the up elevator flight control system due to fatigue, which rendered recovery from a right descending turn improbable.NTSB ERA21LA011Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 414 · West Palm Beach, FLThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection during which he failed to detect a flight control abnormality, and his failure to expediently abort the takeoff, which resulted in the co-pilot performing a delayed aborted takeoff and the subsequent runway overrun.NTSB CEN20CA253Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBeech 23 · Davenport, IAThe pilot's failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Safford, AZA loss of pitch control during the landing approach due to a jammed elevator control system.NTSB ERA20LA129Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Conway, SCThe pilot’s incorrect use of the autopilot while approaching the initial approach fix and his subsequent improper primary pitch control input while a pitch mode of the autopilot was engaged, which resulted in pitch excursions and subsequent departure from…NTSB WPR19LA112Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Morganza, LAA loss of aircraft control due to the separation of the elevator pushrod attachment bolt.NTSB CEN17LA216Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWilliam D Telfair/Zia Z Telfai Excalibur · Albuquerque, NMThe loss of pitch control due to the overload failure of the control rod.NTSB WPR17FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAppleby Nieuport 28 · Paso Robles, CAThe failure of unknown personnel to properly safety an elevator control cable turnbuckle, which disconnected in flight resulting in loss of pitch control. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate design of the experimental airplane, which did not…NTSB ERA17FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Sanford, FLThe incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate…NTSB DCA17FA076Accident · Minor injuriesClass 1 · FieldFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas MD80 · Ypsilanti, MIthe jammed condition of the airplane's right elevator, which resulted from exposure to localized, dynamic wind while the airplane was parked and rendered the airplane unable to rotate during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were (1) the effect of a large…NTSB CEN16CA359Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 58 · Wichita Falls, TXThe incorrect maintenance of the airplane's ventilation system which resulted in an obstruction of the elevator control system.NTSB ERA16LA293Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150G · Shirley, NYMaintenance personnel’s inadequate maintenance and inspection of the airplane, which resulted in the left elevator attachment bolt backing out of the nutplate, and partial inflight separation and damage of the elevator.NTSB CEN16LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlaeser Nieuport 11 · Gardner, KSThe pilot's diverted attention during the approach for the precautionary landing, which resulted in low airspeed, an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the control system…NTSB CEN16LA184Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Ponca City, OKMaintenance personnel's improper installation of the elevator bolt, which resulted in a loss of elevator control during landing.NTSB ERA16FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Orlando, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning to join the final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern with full airplane-nose-up trim, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an…NTSB GAA15CA294Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHoward DGA 15P · Englewood, COThe separation of the elevator control system linkage at a push/pull tube and cable joint, for an unknown reason, because the bolt and associated hardware securing the joint was not found for examination.NTSB ANC15CA053Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna U206F · Kasilof, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a jammed elevator and subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA177Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCentrair 101A · Hartford, WIThe glider pilot's failure to connect the elevator to the elevator control rod during the assembly process, resulting in a loss of control, and a collision with terrain during takeoff.NTSB ERA15LA237Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Hampton, NHThe pilot’s failure to properly set the stabilator trim prior to takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB CEN15IA200Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 402A · Brickeys, ARThe in-flight separation of the attachment hardware at the elevator control pushrod due to maintenance personnel's improper reinstallation of the attachment hardware.NTSB CEN15CA166Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportFunk B85C · Leonard, OKThe improper installation of the UP elevator cable turnbuckle which became disconnected during the flight.NTSB CEN15IA085Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDassault/Sud FAN JET Falcon · Shreveport, LAA short in the trim system’s wires and connector, which resulted in the elevator trim being in a full nose-down position.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 WPR14LA361Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTravel Air C 4000 · Williams, CAThe failure of the elevator control tube due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of elevator control and collision with terrain.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 ERA14LA015Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Selinsgrove, PAThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator cables by maintenance personnel and their subsequent failure to verify that the rigging was correct during postmaintenance checks and the pilot's inadequate preflight check.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 ERA13CA338Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 210M · Shirley, NYThe pilot's loss of control during an aborted takeoff as a result of his failure to properly configure the elevator trim prior to flight.