Casualties unknown

Uncommanded Roll Divergence During Descent (N326SW)

Houston, TX, US

On January 1, 1995, a Boeing 737-3A4 (registration N326SW) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENCOUNTER WITH WAKE TURBULENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 N326SW
Aircraft registered N326SW. Photo: redlegsfan21 from Vandalia, OH, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During descent for landing, a pilot experienced an uncommanded roll divergence at 240 knots in clean configuration. The flight control system examination found no anomalies.

Event Description

During the descent for a landing approach, the pilot encountered an uncommanded roll divergence. The aircraft was at approximately 240 knots, in a clean configuration, and with power reduced at the time of the occurrence. The aircraft was following an MD-80 when the event occurred.

Pilot Actions

The first pilot was at the controls when the uncommanded rolls began. The captain assumed control early during the sequence. The initial divergence was a 20-degree right roll. As the right roll developed, the pilot applied a left correction, causing the aircraft to roll 30 degrees left. The pilot then applied right rudder, resulting in the wings returning to a level attitude. It was noted that the autopilot altitude hold was engaged.

Post-Event Examination

An examination of the flight control system failed to reveal any anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02855. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.