Casualties unknown

In-flight pitch control anomaly on a scheduled international passenger flight (N4719U)

Denver, CO, US

On October 24, 1991, a Boeing 747-122 (registration N4719U) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A MALFUNCTION IN THE STABILIZER TRIM CONTROL MODULE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N4719U
Aircraft registered N4719U. Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During level flight at FL290 on a scheduled international passenger flight from San Francisco to London, elevator pitch control became erratic, causing oscillations of up to 1,000 feet. The aircraft made an uneventful precautionary landing in Denver.

Incident Overview During level flight at flight level 290, while operating a scheduled international passenger flight from San Francisco, California, to London, England, elevator pitch control became erratic. The aircraft experienced oscillations of up to 1,000 feet either side of the base altitude. ## Crew Actions The autopilot was disconnected, and communications were maintained with maintenance control. The flight then proceeded to the nearest airport with runways exceeding 10,000 feet in length. ## Outcome An uneventful precautionary landing was conducted in Denver, Colorado. ## Investigation Findings Examination of stabilizer trim components revealed discrepancies in the trim module and elevator feel computer, which were attributed to normal wear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18280. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.