Casualties unknown

Boeing 737 Experiences Uncommanded Roll During Climb, Diverts Safely (N515AU)

Mcconnellsburg, PA, US

On August 7, 1998, a Boeing 737-300 (registration N515AU) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcconnellsburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A high altitude encounter with wake vortices. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-300
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 737 encountered an uncommanded roll while climbing through approximately 29,700 feet. The captain recovered and diverted to a nearby airport without incident. Weather was clear with smooth conditions. Radar revealed a DC-10 had passed through the same area 600 feet higher about one minute earlier.

Event Description

During a climb, a Boeing 737 experienced an uncommanded roll as the aircraft passed through approximately 29,700 feet. The roll angle became most acute near 29,800 feet, at which point a roll reversal began. The captain successfully recovered control of the aircraft and subsequently diverted to a nearby airport. The remainder of the flight proceeded without further incident.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions both before and after the event were characterized by clear skies and a smooth ride, with no turbulence reported.

Radar Analysis

Radar data analysis revealed that a DC-10 aircraft, positioned about 10 nautical miles ahead, had climbed through the same area approximately 1 minute and 11 seconds earlier. The DC-10 was at an altitude 600 feet higher than the Boeing 737 at the time of its passage.

No other contributing factors were identified in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10935. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.