# Wing structure

- Type: NTSB finding section
- Path: [Aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01) › [Aircraft structures](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/0103) › Wing structure
- NTSB code: 010357
- Cases: 206
- In the probable cause: 169
- Fatal cases: 100
- All cases: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010357/cases.md
- Cases with it in the probable cause: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010357/cases.md?cause=1
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010357

## Cases per year (in the probable cause / all)

- 2008: 9 / 12
- 2009: 10 / 14
- 2010: 11 / 17
- 2011: 13 / 15
- 2012: 21 / 25
- 2013: 11 / 12
- 2014: 9 / 11
- 2015: 8 / 10
- 2016: 14 / 14
- 2017: 7 / 7
- 2018: 13 / 14
- 2019: 5 / 6
- 2020: 4 / 6
- 2021: 7 / 9
- 2022: 8 / 9
- 2023: 11 / 12
- 2024: 6 / 11
- 2025: 1 / 1
- 2026: 1 / 1

## Findings

- [Wing structure, general](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035700): 48 cases, 36 in the probable cause
- [Spar (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035711): 43 cases, 35 in the probable cause
- [Trailing edge flaps](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035753): 33 cases, 28 in the probable cause
- [Attach fittings (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035740): 21 cases, 20 in the probable cause
- [Flight surfaces (wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035750): 20 cases, 17 in the probable cause
- [Ailerons](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035751): 12 cases, 9 in the probable cause
- [Plates/skins (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035730): 11 cases, 6 in the probable cause
- [Main frame (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035710): 8 cases, 8 in the probable cause
- [Spoilers](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035755): 8 cases, 8 in the probable cause
- [Ribs/bulkheads (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035712): 4 cases, 1 in the probable cause
- [Wing auxiliary structure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035720): 3 cases, 2 in the probable cause
- [Fus (attach fitting on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035741): 3 cases, 3 in the probable cause
- [Landing gear (fitting on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035743): 3 cases, 2 in the probable cause
- [Leading edge devices](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035754): 3 cases, 2 in the probable cause
- [Center wing box (on wing)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035714): 2 cases, 2 in the probable cause

## Defining events in these cases

- [Aircraft structural failure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/337): 66 cases
- [Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240): 34 cases
- [Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330): 11 cases
- [Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338): 10 cases
- [Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490): 9 cases
- [Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901): 8 cases
- [Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333): 8 cases
- [Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900): 7 cases
- [Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241): 6 cases
- [Windshear or thunderstorm](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390): 4 cases

## Aircraft models (registry)

- [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181): 3 cases
- [Cessna 172S](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172s): 3 cases
- [WSK PZL Mielec M-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-m-18a): 2 cases
- [Piper PA46-500TP](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa46-500tp): 2 cases
- [Cirrus Design SR22](https://openairdocs.org/model/cirrus-design-sr22): 2 cases
- [Cessna 208B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-208b): 2 cases
- [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n): 2 cases
- [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m): 2 cases
- [Cessna 172R](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172r): 2 cases
- [Beech E-90](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-e-90): 2 cases

## Other findings in the same cases

- [Aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040) (Personnel issues): 48 cases
- [Decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520) (Personnel issues): 33 cases
- [Airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010) (Aircraft): 23 cases
- [Incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015) (Personnel issues): 22 cases
- [Performance/control parameters, general](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000) (Aircraft): 14 cases
- [Use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015) (Personnel issues): 13 cases
- [Animal(s)/bird(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045) (Environmental issues): 12 cases
- [Not determined, general](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000) (Not determined): 9 cases
- [Installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035) (Personnel issues): 9 cases
- [Incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010) (Personnel issues): 9 cases

## Newest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA203), May 23, 2026: Pzl-Swidnik PW-5 (N157AJ), Soap Lake, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to ensure the proper preflight assembly of the glider's wing attachment system, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure during flight.
- [NTSB WPR25LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA209), Jul 11, 2025: Pipistrel Alpha Trainer (N209ZM), Colorado City, AZ, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s never-exceed speed (VNE) during maneuvering, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left flaperon.
- [NTSB ERA25LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA087), Dec 19, 2024: Cessna 172K (N7085G), Southport, NC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision, which resulted in the subsequent overstress of the airplane during recovery.
- [NTSB WPR25LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA029), Oct 29, 2024: Daher TBM700 (N885CA), Pinedale, WY, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was free of snow contamination before takeoff and to follow the manufacturer’s anti-icing procedure during continued snowfall, which resulted in an…
- [NTSB DCA25LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25LA025), Oct 24, 2024: Boeing 737-9 (N27515), Houston, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: Brake application before all three landing gears were on the ground, which caused the failure of the right main landing gear tires and resulted in tire fragments impacting the fuselage.
- [NTSB ERA24FA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA395), Sep 25, 2024: Evolution Revo (N889HT), Zephyrhills, FL, destroyed, 2 fatal. Probable cause: The flight instructor’s failure to ensure the haul back cable was securely connected to the “J” hook prior to departing on the accident flight, which resulted in the cable becoming disconnected and…
- [NTSB DCA24LA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24LA293), Aug 17, 2024: Boeing 747-4HQF (N782CK), Istanbul, Türkiye, substantial damage. Probable cause: The fatigue failure of multiple hinge ribs associated with the right outboard aileron, which resulted in abnormal aileron movement and airframe vibration. Contributing to the failure was the…
- [NTSB DCA24LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24LA245), Jul 27, 2024: Boeing 737 (N853DN), Salt Lake City, UT, minor damage. Probable cause: 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 CEN24FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA179), May 13, 2024: Piper PA46-500TP (N241PM), Marianna, AR, substantial damage, 2 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ANC24FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA029), Apr 23, 2024: Douglas C54D (N3054V), Fairbanks, AK, destroyed, 2 fatal. Probable cause: A loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray…

NTSB has coded findings and defining events since 2008; earlier cases used its older occurrence and cause codes and aren't counted.

Findings: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings.md. Defining events: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events.md. Phases of flight: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases.md. Every investigation, filtered by finding, event, phase, state, year or model: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md (for example ?state=MI&fatal=1).

NTSB's definitions: Accident and incident, 49 CFR 830.2 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-VIII/part-830/subpart-A/section-830.2), CICTT occurrence categories (PDF) (https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Documents/datafiles/OccurrenceCategoryDefinitions.pdf), CICTT phases of flight (PDF) (https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Documents/datafiles/PhaseofFlightDefinitions.pdf), and NTSB coding manual, before 2008 (PDF) (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). NTSB publishes no definitions for its findings, only their names.

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