# Ailerons

- Type: NTSB finding subsection
- Path: [Aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01) › [Aircraft structures](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/0103) › [Wing structure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010357) › Ailerons
- NTSB code: 01035751
- Cases: 12
- In the probable cause: 9
- Fatal cases: 3
- All cases: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035751/cases.md
- Cases with it in the probable cause: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035751/cases.md?cause=1
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035751

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

- 2008: 1 / 1
- 2009: 2 / 2
- 2010: 0 / 1
- 2011: 3 / 3
- 2016: 1 / 1
- 2021: 0 / 1
- 2024: 1 / 2
- 2025: 1 / 1

## Defining events in these cases

- [Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338): 3 cases
- [Aircraft structural failure](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/337): 2 cases
- [Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333): 2 cases
- [Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900): 1 cases
- [Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330): 1 cases
- [Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240): 1 cases
- [Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220): 1 cases
- [Explosion (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/160): 1 cases

## Aircraft models (registry)

- [Piper PA46-500TP](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa46-500tp): 1 cases
- [Maule M-6-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-6-235): 1 cases
- [Douglas C54D-DC](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-c54d-dc): 1 cases
- [Forisch Edward BUSHBY MUSTANG M II](https://openairdocs.org/model/forisch-edward-bushby-mustang-m-ii): 1 cases
- [Boeing 747-4HQF](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-747-4hqf): 1 cases
- [Beech E-90](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-e-90): 1 cases
- [Pollack John V QUICKSILVER SPRINT2S](https://openairdocs.org/model/pollack-john-v-quicksilver-sprint2s): 1 cases
- [Zenith ZODIAC 601XL](https://openairdocs.org/model/zenith-zodiac-601xl): 1 cases
- [Stephenson Dennis ZODIAC 601XL](https://openairdocs.org/model/stephenson-dennis-zodiac-601xl): 1 cases
- [Jonsson Erik SONERAI](https://openairdocs.org/model/jonsson-erik-sonerai): 1 cases

## Other findings in the same cases

- [Aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040) (Personnel issues): 3 cases
- [Installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035) (Personnel issues): 2 cases
- [Wing structure, general](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035700) (Aircraft): 2 cases
- [Not determined, general](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000) (Not determined): 1 cases
- [Tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015) (Environmental issues): 1 cases
- [Wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032) (Environmental issues): 1 cases
- [Scheduled/routine maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062010) (Personnel issues): 1 cases
- [Decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520) (Personnel issues): 1 cases
- [Incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015) (Personnel issues): 1 cases
- [Task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520) (Personnel issues): 1 cases

## Newest cases

- [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 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 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 ERA21LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA177), Apr 6, 2021: Forisch Edward Bushby Mustang M II (N61EF), Worcester, MA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Binding of the left aileron bellcrank push/pull rod, which resulted in an uncommanded right turn.
- [NTSB CEN16LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA244), Jul 3, 2016: Pollack Quicksilver SPRINT2S (N250AB), Bullard, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of airplane control during landing for reasons that could not be determined, because the airplane sank and was not recovered.
- [NTSB WPR11LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA218), May 3, 2011: Piper PA46-500TP (N46ME), Rock Springs, WY, substantial damage. Probable cause: The overstress fracture of the right aileron midspan hinge bracket due to modal vibrations created by a deflated right main landing gear tire during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB CEN11IA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11IA280), Apr 11, 2011: Beech 90B (N37OU), Chickasha, OK, incident, minor damage. Probable cause: The mechanic's improper installation of the aileron.
- [NTSB CEN11LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA192), Feb 15, 2011: Beech E-90 (N51DN), Des Moines, IA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The improper installation of the right aileron by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB CEN10FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA162), Jan 30, 2010: Maule M-6-235 (N7613X), Bennett, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a utility line while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN10FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA042), Nov 6, 2009: Zenith Zodiac 601 XL (N538CJ), Agnos, AR, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: The in-flight separation of both wings due to aileron flutter. The aileron flutter was the result of inadequate wing stiffness and strength and the lack of aileron counterbalances.

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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