NTSB investigations
56 cases where NTSB found Rotorcraft flight control.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 13 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 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\", '010467')) 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", '010467')) 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 CEN24FA248Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Scorpion 133 · Andale, KSThe pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low-G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and subsequent severing of the tailboom by the main rotor blades.NTSB WPR24LA134Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Tracy, CAA loss of collective control authority due to fatigue failure of the collective servo cylinder extension arms from corrosion pitting.NTSB CEN23LA199Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Abbeville, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper helicopter control during autorotation that resulted in an abnormal ground contact which caused the subsequent main rotor strike on the tail boom that severed the tail rotor driveshaft. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN23FA183Incident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Brady, TXThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to ensure the collective friction control was adequately engaged during an on-ground engine run, which resulted in the helicopter inadvertently becoming airborne. Contributing to the crash were the pilot’s various physical…NTSB ERA23FA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NCThe inadequate inspections of the forward left control rod end attachment hardware to the stationary swashplate by the pilot and by maintenance personnel, resulting in an eventual loosening and backing out of the hardware and subsequent loss of helicopter…NTSB CEN22LA430Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAgusta AW139 · Houma, LAThe inflight loss of collective control of the helicopter due to thermal damage of a collective control torque tube that abraded with misrouted electrical wiring, which resulted in an electrical short and inflight fire. Contributing to the accident were the…NTSB WPR22LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Phoenix, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while on the ground when his attention was diverted, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB CEN22LA009Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Gonzales, LAThe student pilot’s failure to compensate for an unanticipated right yaw, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and helicopter control.NTSB WPR21LA039Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAgusta A109 · Los Angeles, CAThe loss of tail rotor control due to the separation of the tail rotor duplex bearing ring nut from the thrust sleeve, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control.NTSB WPR20LA211Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH1H · Payson, AZA flight control malfunction due to either a hydraulic hardover or a flight control stiffness event, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB CEN20LA037Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R22 · Beeville, TXThe solo student pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in dynamic rollover.NTSB GAA19CA403Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportMd Helicopter 369 · Summersville, SCThe copilot’s disabling of the flight controls of an operating helicopter without telling the pilot on the controls, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA19FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAutogyro Cavalon · Sebring, FLThe pilot's improper decision to operate the gyroplane in an unairworthy condition, which resulted in the cyclic pitch control disconnecting in flight. Contributing was the pilot's inability to maintain control of the helicopter utilizing the published…NTSB CEN18LA290Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Todd Mission, TXThe passenger’s inadvertent interference with the tail rotor pedals, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control during takeoff and the subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB GAA18CA086Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHalley KFT Apollo · North Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s failure to stop the main rotor rotation before taxiing the gyroplane in gusting wind conditions, resulting in the main rotor striking the empennage.NTSB WPR18LA004Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWestern International Avia UH 1H · Arbuckle, CAA collective control malfunction for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA17CA258Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAutogyro Calidus · Stevensville, MDThe pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.NTSB GAA17CA218Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206 · La Verne, CAThe pilot’s early increased application of the collective during a simulated hovering autorotation, which resulted in a loss of rotor rpm and subsequent main rotor blade strike of the tailboom.NTSB ERA16FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KYCompany maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight.NTSB WPR16LA099Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 47G 5 · San Ardo, CAThe failure of the pin in the outboard end of the lateral flight control torque tube.NTSB GAA16LA182Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Weatherford, TXThe pilot/mechanic's inadequate postmaintenance and preflight inspections, which resulted in his failure to remove the antitorque pedal lock and a subsequent loss of control during hover operations.NTSB GAA16CA163Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEnstrom F280 · Sodus, NYThe pilot's improper collective application at touchdown during a practice run-on landing, which resulted in the main rotor system impacting the tailboom and the forward portion of the fuselage impacting terrain during remedial action by the flight…NTSB GAA16CA160Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Oak Island, NCThe student pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized hover, resulting in a loss of control and an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA075Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FLThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a horizontal rotation of the helicopter, and abnormal runway contact.NTSB GAA15LA296Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Ozark, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hovering, which resulted in the helicopter's skid impacting terrain, subsequent abnormal airframe vibrations, and a hard landing during the subsequent hovering autorotation.NTSB ERA15LA374Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Thomaston, GAThe loss of tail rotor control due to a fractured pin in the tail rotor control system; the reason the pin fractured could not be determined as the fractured pin was lost in shipping.NTSB GAA15CA258Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Draper, UTThe ground recovery team member's failure to secure a rescue rope during the helicopter loading process in steep terrain, resulting in the rope fouling the helicopter's main rotor system.NTSB GAA15CA181Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Caldwell, IDAbnormal ground contact during a 180 degree autorotation, resulting in a severed tail rotor driveshaft by a main rotor blade. A factor contributing to the accident was the rotor blowback condition due to the aft tilting of the main rotor disk.NTSB ANC15LA076Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus AS-350 · Hamilton, MTThe pilot's excessive collective application during an autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight.NTSB ERA15FA164Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Orlando, FLAn inflight loss of control due to the likely detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt.NTSB ANC15LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirbus AS350 B2 · Anchorage, AKThe failure of the ball bearing within the pitch change spider assembly due to its operation with no grease within the bearing, which resulted in the subsequent fracture of the spider assembly and a loss of tail rotor control authority. Also causal to the…NTSB CEN15LA131Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell-Watson 47 G · North Little Rock, ARThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during the practice touchdown autorotation, which resulted in a subsequent loss of helicopter control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR14FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Seattle, WAThe loss of helicopter control due to a loss of hydraulic boost to the tail rotor pedal controls at takeoff, followed by a loss of hydraulic boost to the main rotor controls after takeoff. The reason for the loss of hydraulic boost to the main and tail rotor…NTSB WPR14CA006Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSiemens Rotorway Exec 162F · Nampa, IDA flight control malfunction during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined. No follow-up examination was conducted due to a lapse in agency funding and subsequent government shutdown.NTSB CEN13CA027Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerospatiale SA315B · Helena, OKThe pilot's failure to properly secure the cyclic and to stop the main rotor system before exiting the helicopter, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the tail rotor driveshaft.NTSB ERA12FA563Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 355F1 · West Windsor, NJDisconnection of the upper rod end from the fore/aft servo due to severely worn threads, which resulted in a loss of control and separation of a main rotor blade during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance procedures and…NTSB WPR12LA219Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28 · Twin Falls, IDThe pilot's inability to maintain helicopter control during cruise flight due to the failure of the No. 2 main rotor Lamiflex bearing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the helicopter with a known deficiency and the helicopter’s…NTSB DCA12MA020Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Las Vegas, NVSundance Helicopters’ inadequate maintenance of the helicopter, including (1) the improper reuse of a degraded self-locking nut, (2) the improper or lack of installation of a split pin, and (3) inadequate postmaintenance inspections, which resulted in the…NTSB CEN11WA412Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Glastonbury, United KingdomOn June 19, 2011, at 1420 universal coordinated time (UTC), a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company model 369E, United Kingdom registration G-KSWI, s/n 0204E, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing after experiencing a mechanical failure of the…NTSB CEN11LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Henryetta, OKFailure of the cyclic control system for reasons undetermined.NTSB CEN10IA397Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Gulf of Mexico, LAImproper reassembly of the collective flight controls by maintenance personnel. Contributing to the incident were inadequate postmaintenance examinations by maintenance personnel and inadequate preflight inspections by two pilots.NTSB WPR09FA459Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Forest Grove, ORThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed while maneuvering, which resulted in a main rotor blade stall and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB WPR09LA261Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom Helicopter 280C · Ogden, UTThe pilot's improper use of the helicopter's collective both during the takeoff sequence and while attempting remedial action in response to an engine over-boost condition, which resulted in a hard precautionary landing.NTSB WPR09LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Honiara, Solomon IslandsThe pilot's failure to remove the tail rotor pedal lock before attempting flight, resulting in a loss of control.NTSB ERA09LA051Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · San Juan, PRThe detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt during a hover due to separation of its retaining nut for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09CA045Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRandall Amanda Rotorway · Middletown, DEThe student pilot’s excessive use of cyclic during the engine run-up. Contributing to the accident were the student pilot’s lack of overall experience and the gusting wind conditions.NTSB WPR09LA028Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Powder River, WYA flight control system malfunction while the helicopter was maneuvering at low altitude due to the failure/separation of the rotor blade control tube.NTSB CHI08TA239Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B3 · Mount Clemens, MIThe pilot's unintentional lowering of the collective control during approach to land, resulting in a hard landing.NTSB LAX08IA241Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMD Helicopters MD 902 · Salinas, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to the fatigue failure of the threaded portion of the forward directional control cable as a result of the improper installation a lock washer.NTSB ANC08LA083Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Iliamna, AKThe failure of company maintenance personnel to ensure the helicopter was properly maintained, resulting in a severe in-flight vibration due to collective bounce. Contributing to the accident was loose and worn bearings on the helicopter's stabilizer bar,…