# NTSB investigations: Rotorcraft flight control

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 · 56 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN24FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA248.md): Rotorway Scorpion 133 · Andale, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 5, 2024 · N51017 · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR24LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA134.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2024 · N17592 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of collective control authority due to fatigue failure of the collective servo cylinder extension arms from corrosion pitting.
- [NTSB CEN23LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA199.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Abbeville, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 23, 2023 · N451PH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN23FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA183.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Brady, TX · Incident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 14, 2023 · N40506 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA23FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA070.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 22, 2022 · N7094J · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN22LA430](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA430.md): Agusta AW139 · Houma, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2022 · N811TA · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR22LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA146.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 7, 2022 · N19VH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while on the ground when his attention was diverted, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB CEN22LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA009.md): Bell 206 · Gonzales, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 6, 2021 · N373SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to compensate for an unanticipated right yaw, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and helicopter control.
- [NTSB WPR21LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA039.md): Agusta A109 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 6, 2020 · N109EX · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR20LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA211.md): Bell UH1H · Payson, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 7, 2020 · N623PB · Destroyed
  > A flight control malfunction due to either a hydraulic hardover or a flight control stiffness event, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN20LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA037.md): Robinson R22 · Beeville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2019 · N695AP · Substantial damage
  > The solo student pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB GAA19CA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA403.md): Md Helicopter 369 · Summersville, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 26, 2019 · N500SC · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA19FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA034.md): Autogyro Cavalon · Sebring, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2018 · N198LT · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN18LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA290.md): Bell 206 · Todd Mission, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2018 · N352CT · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA18CA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA086.md): Halley KFT Apollo · North Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 17, 2017 · N15LU · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR18LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA004.md): Western International Avia UH 1H · Arbuckle, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2017 · N247PV · Substantial damage
  > A collective control malfunction for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA17CA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA258.md): Autogyro Calidus · Stevensville, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2017 · N991TC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA17CA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA218.md): Bell 206 · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2017 · N206SA · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA16FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA248.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2016 · N427TV · Substantial damage
  > Company 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 WPR16LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA099.md): Bell 47G 5 · San Ardo, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 29, 2016 · N6288N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pin in the outboard end of the lateral flight control torque tube.
- [NTSB GAA16LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA182.md): Hughes 369 · Weatherford, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2016 · N298SD · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA16CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA163.md): Enstrom F280 · Sodus, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N5698Y · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA16CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA160.md): Robinson R44 · Oak Island, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 23, 2016 · N843JB · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized hover, resulting in a loss of control and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA075.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2015 · N4427H · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA15LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15LA296.md): Bell 206 · Ozark, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2015 · N49660 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA15LA374](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA374.md): Bell 206 · Thomaston, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2015 · N165BH · Destroyed
  > The 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 GAA15CA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA258.md): Airbus AS350 · Draper, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 9, 2015 · N253HP · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA15CA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA181.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Caldwell, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2015 · N184SH · Substantial damage
  > Abnormal 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 ANC15LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA076.md): Airbus AS-350 · Hamilton, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 4, 2015 · N504WD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive collective application during an autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight.
- [NTSB ERA15FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA164.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Orlando, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2015 · N30242 · Destroyed
  > An inflight loss of control due to the likely detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt.
- [NTSB ANC15LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA015.md): Airbus AS350 B2 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2015 · N814EH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN15LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA131.md): Bell-Watson 47 G · North Little Rock, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2015 · N43762 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR14FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA137.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Seattle, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2014 · N250FB · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR14CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA006.md): Siemens Rotorway Exec 162F · Nampa, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 5, 2013 · N104BJ · Substantial damage
  > A 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 CEN13CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA027.md): Aerospatiale SA315B · Helena, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 19, 2012 · N57948 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA12FA563](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA563.md): Aerospatiale AS 355F1 · West Windsor, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2012 · N58020 · Substantial damage
  > Disconnection 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 WPR12LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA219.md): Enstrom F28 · Twin Falls, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 2012 · N63VP · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA12MA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA12MA020.md): Eurocopter France AS350B2 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Dec 8, 2011 · N37SH · Destroyed
  > Sundance 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 CEN11WA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11WA412.md): McDonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Glastonbury, United Kingdom · Accident · Serious injuries · Foreign investigation · Jun 19, 2011 · G-KSWI · Substantial damage
  > On 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 CEN11LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA200.md): Hughes 369D · Henryetta, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2011 · N112AS · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the cyclic control system for reasons undetermined.
- [NTSB CEN10IA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA397.md): Bell 206 · Gulf of Mexico, LA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2010 · N523RL · Minor damage
  > Improper 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 WPR09FA459](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA459.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Forest Grove, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2009 · N956SH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR09LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA261.md): Enstrom Helicopter 280C · Ogden, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 25, 2009 · N5699N · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR09LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA069.md): Hughes 369 · Honiara, Solomon Islands · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2008 · N104BN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to remove the tail rotor pedal lock before attempting flight, resulting in a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA09LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA051.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · San Juan, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2008 · N452JM · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA09CA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA045.md): Randall Amanda Rotorway · Middletown, DE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 9, 2008 · N103DE · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR09LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA028.md): Hiller UH-12E · Powder River, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2008 · N61436 · Substantial damage
  > A flight control system malfunction while the helicopter was maneuvering at low altitude due to the failure/separation of the rotor blade control tube.
- [NTSB CHI08TA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08TA239.md): Eurocopter AS-350-B3 · Mount Clemens, MI · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 2, 2008 · N204TU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unintentional lowering of the collective control during approach to land, resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB LAX08IA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08IA241.md): MD Helicopters MD 902 · Salinas, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2008 · N902CS · Minor damage
  > The 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 ANC08LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA083.md): Bell UH-1B · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2008 · N64RA · Substantial damage
  > The 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,…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010467/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", '010467'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010467/cases

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