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 2026-07-04Data 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.

All Boeing 737-300 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 1998 Boeing 737-300 accident near Mcconnellsburg, PA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 1998 involved a Boeing 737-300, registration N515AU, at Mcconnellsburg, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A high altitude encounter with wake vortices.

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.