What happened
The aircraft was engaged in an aerial advertising operation involving banner towing. During the final phase of the flight, the pilot initiated a low approach specifically to pick up a banner that had been dropped. While executing this maneuver, the pilot was unable to maintain the necessary airspeed and altitude required for safe flight.
Although the banner was successfully retrieved, the aircraft continued to descend below the intended flight path. The pilot attempted to flare for what was intended to be a normal landing; however, the aircraft struck a ditch upon touchdown. The impact caused the nose of the aircraft to collapse downward, resulting in significant structural damage to the forward fuselage.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage and review of the flight dynamics indicated that the loss of control was directly linked to the low-speed maneuvering during the banner pickup attempt. The inability to sustain altitude and airspeed during the low approach prevented a safe transition to the landing phase. No mechanical failures or pre-existing defects were identified as contributing factors.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the pilot's decision to perform a low approach at an insufficient speed and altitude to retrieve the banner. This maneuver led to an aerodynamic stall or near-stall condition, resulting in the loss of controlled flight and subsequent collision with the ground obstacle.