No fatalities

Uncommanded Roll During Descent Traced to Intermittent Autopilot Electrical Connection (N396US)

Charlotte, NC, US

On August 5, 1995, a Boeing 737-3B7 (registration N396US) operated by Usair was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE 'A' SYSTEM FLIGHT CONTROL COMPUTER BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL, WHICH RESULTED IN PIN CONNECTOR(S) BEING PUSHED LOOSE AND SUBSEQUENT MALFUNCTION OF THE AUTOPILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-3B7
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A captain experienced an uncommanded left roll during descent with autopilot engaged. Disengaging autopilot restored control. Post-incident inspection found a pin connector issue in the flight control computer shelf.

Incident Overview

During a descent through 12,000 feet, with the 'A' system autopilot engaged and an airspeed of 250 knots, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded roll to the left. The captain immediately disengaged the autopilot and rolled the airplane to wings-level flight. The remainder of the flight was conducted with the autopilot off.

Inspection Findings

A post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed an intermittent electrical connection in the 'A' autopilot circuit. Specifically, pin connector(s) had been pushed out of place on the flight control computer shelf connector. One of the affected pins was in the aileron position sensor excitation circuit.

Maintenance History

The 'A' flight control computer had been removed and reinstalled the day before the incident to inspect the rack for fluid contamination. It is possible that this maintenance contributed to the pin displacement, though the source does not explicitly state a causal link.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1995 Boeing 737-3B7 accident near Charlotte, NC?

A captain experienced an uncommanded left roll during descent with autopilot engaged. Disengaging autopilot restored control. Post-incident inspection found a pin connector issue in the flight control computer shelf.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Aug 1995 Boeing 737-3B7 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1995 involved a Boeing 737-3B7, registration N396US, operated by Usair, at Charlotte, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE 'A' SYSTEM FLIGHT CONTROL COMPUTER BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL, WHICH RESULTED IN PIN CONNECTOR(S) BEING PUSHED LOOSE AND SUBSEQUENT MALFUNCTION OF THE AUTOPILOT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04317. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.