# NTSB investigations: Elevator 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 · 74 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA130.md): Textron 680A · Miami, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2026 · N519QS · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN26LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA092.md): Cessna 172 · San Marcos, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 7, 2026 · N5136E · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ENG26LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG26LA011.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C11 · Hibbing, MN · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2025 · N707EV · No damage
  > The 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 ERA25LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA303.md): Centrair 101A · Springfield, VT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2025 · N99KG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to assemble the glider’s elevator control before takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC25LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA076.md): Cessna 180H · Gulkana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2025 · N91393 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the left rudder assembly which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.
- [NTSB ERA25FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA185.md): MX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 24, 2025 · N530RH · Substantial damage
  > A counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.
- [NTSB ENG25LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG25LA009.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C11 · Dulles, VA · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 20, 2024 · N501GJ · No damage
  > The 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 CEN25LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA029.md): Cub Crafters Carbon CUB · Ogallala, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2024 · N257ST · Destroyed
  > The 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 DCA24LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24LA245.md): Boeing 737 · Salt Lake City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 27, 2024 · N853DN · 2 aircraft · Minor damage
  > Delta 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 ERA24LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA251.md): William Loren Noggle JA30 Superstol · Tennille, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2024 · N719LN · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN24LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA115.md): Beech 400 · Bentonville, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 14, 2024 · N95GK · Substantial damage
  > Improper rigging of the elevator cable over the upper guard pin, which resulted in a cable separation and loss of elevator control.
- [NTSB CEN24FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA010.md): Cessna 414 · Patterson, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 12, 2023 · N880A · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN23FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA304.md): Piper PA28 · Osage Beach, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 13, 2023 · N8225N · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA23LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA002.md): Aeronca 7AC · Murray, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2022 · N3005E · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR22FA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA216.md): Cessna 336 · Porterville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2022 · N3835U · Destroyed
  > Maintenance 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 ERA22LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA215.md): Cessna 414 · Connellsville, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 2, 2022 · N46TA · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR22LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA136.md): Downer Bellanca 14-19-2 · Prosser, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2022 · N7658B · Substantial damage
  > An inadequately welded elevator attachment lug, which caused the elevator to partially detach from its bellcrank, resulting in flutter and structural damage.
- [NTSB DCA22MA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22MA009.md): Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-87 (MD-87) · Brookshire, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 2 · Major · Final report · Oct 19, 2021 · N987AK · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA22FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA015.md): Velocity SE RG · Titusville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 14, 2021 · N755V · Destroyed
  > The separation of the airplane’s elevator control push-pull tube, which resulted in a loss of control during the approach.
- [NTSB ERA21LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA360.md): Zenith 750 Cruzer · New Smyrna, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2021 · N161AR · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s inadequate inspection of the flight control system, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN21LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA346.md): HpH, Spol. S.R.O. Glasflügel 304S · Briggs, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N304AB · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA21LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA106.md): American AA5 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 19, 2021 · N5880L · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA21LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA068.md): Beech V35A · Attalla, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2020 · N5470U · Destroyed
  > A 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 ERA21LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA011.md): Cessna 414 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 8, 2020 · N8132Q · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN20CA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA253.md): Beech 23 · Davenport, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 27, 2020 · N18873 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR20LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA176.md): Vans RV4 · Safford, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 9, 2020 · N173CW · Substantial damage
  > A loss of pitch control during the landing approach due to a jammed elevator control system.
- [NTSB ERA20LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA129.md): Cirrus SR22 · Conway, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 17, 2020 · N150X · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR19LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA112.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Morganza, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 16, 2019 · N599LA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of aircraft control due to the separation of the elevator pushrod attachment bolt.
- [NTSB CEN17LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA216.md): William D Telfair/Zia Z Telfai Excalibur · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2017 · N78DZ · Substantial damage
  > The loss of pitch control due to the overload failure of the control rod.
- [NTSB WPR17FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA089.md): Appleby Nieuport 28 · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2017 · N6190 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA17FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA148.md): Piper PA 12 · Sanford, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · Destroyed
  > The 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 DCA17FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA17FA076.md): Mcdonnell Douglas MD80 · Ypsilanti, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Mar 8, 2017 · N786TW · Substantial damage
  > the 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 CEN16CA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16CA359.md): Beech 58 · Wichita Falls, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 26, 2016 · N15MD · Substantial damage
  > The incorrect maintenance of the airplane's ventilation system which resulted in an obstruction of the elevator control system.
- [NTSB ERA16LA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA293.md): Cessna 150G · Shirley, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2016 · N3666J · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 CEN16LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA230.md): Glaeser Nieuport 11 · Gardner, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2016 · N124TG · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN16LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA184.md): Cessna 150F · Ponca City, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 2016 · N8619G · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's improper installation of the elevator bolt, which resulted in a loss of elevator control during landing.
- [NTSB ERA16FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA043.md): Beech A36TC · Orlando, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2015 · N7FG · Destroyed
  > The 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 GAA15CA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA294.md): Howard DGA 15P · Englewood, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 25, 2015 · N1785H · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC15CA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15CA053.md): Cessna U206F · Kasilof, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 22, 2015 · N206CL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a jammed elevator and subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA177.md): Centrair 101A · Hartford, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2015 · N39KG · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA15LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA237.md): Piper PA28 · Hampton, NH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2015 · N43078 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN15IA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15IA200.md): Air Tractor AT 402A · Brickeys, AR · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2015 · N623LA · Minor damage
  > The in-flight separation of the attachment hardware at the elevator control pushrod due to maintenance personnel's improper reinstallation of the attachment hardware.
- [NTSB CEN15CA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA166.md): Funk B85C · Leonard, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 6, 2015 · N81194 · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the UP elevator cable turnbuckle which became disconnected during the flight.
- [NTSB CEN15IA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15IA085.md): Dassault/Sud FAN JET Falcon · Shreveport, LA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2014 · N827AA · No damage
  > A short in the trim system’s wires and connector, which resulted in the elevator trim being in a full nose-down position.
- [NTSB ERA15IA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15IA008.md): Cessna S550 · Tampa, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2014 · N550AJ · No damage
  > The 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 WPR14LA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA361.md): Travel Air C 4000 · Williams, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2014 · N9952 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the elevator control tube due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of elevator control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC14FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA050.md): Piper PA 12 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2014 · N3512M · Substantial damage
  > The incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging.
- [NTSB ERA14LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA015.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Selinsgrove, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2013 · N170JH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR13FA400](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA400.md): Cantrell LW Challenger II SP · Prineville, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2013 · N65VG · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA13CA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA338.md): Cessna 210M · Shirley, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N450EM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control during an aborted takeoff as a result of his failure to properly configure the elevator trim prior to flight.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022730/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", '01022730'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022730/cases

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