On August 16, 1984, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N1717C) was involved in an aviation accident near Virginia Beach, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner tow pick-up, the rudder jammed full right. The pilot applied both feet to the left rudder pedal; the left rudder cable then failed in overload as the banner struck a power line and broke free. Landing directional control exceeded brake capability, causing a drift into trees.
Incident Sequence
During a banner tow pick-up operation, the aircraft's rudder became jammed in the full right position. In an attempt to maintain directional control, the pilot applied force with both feet to the left rudder pedal. Subsequently, the left rudder cable failed due to overload as the banner engaged a power line and broke free from the aircraft.
On landing, the directional control requirements exceeded the capability of the brakes. During the rollout, the aircraft drifted left and collided with trees.
Post-Incident Inspection
A post-incident inspection revealed that the tow cable had become entangled with the left rudder horn during the pick-up procedure.