Accident Overview
A pilot who had recently been checked out on banner towing operations was on his fifth banner towing flight when the accident occurred. After taking off from runway 9R, the pilot turned left and crossed to the left of runway 9L to join a left downwind leg, intending to continue in a left pattern for a banner pickup near the approach end of runway 9L.
Flight Details
While proceeding westbound at approximately 100 feet above ground level and 50 miles per hour, the aircraft reportedly began to settle. The pilot stated that the engine lost power, but he could not recall events after that point.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the aircraft was traveling westbound when it entered a shallow left bank, then reversed to a steep right bank before crashing in a steep descent. One witness reported that the aircraft was proceeding in an unusually nose-high attitude and then appeared to stall.
Engine Examination
During a teardown of the engine, the left magneto was noted to intermittently cause cross fire. No other pre-accident problems were found.