On July 4, 1985, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N1880G) was involved in an aviation accident near Cape May, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A ground handler was fatally injured after being caught by a banner during a tow plane pickup, lifted 50-100 feet, and falling to the ground. The handler had been employed for two weeks and received training.
Incident Description
A tow plane conducted a banner pickup operation. The ground handler was holding the tail of a double banner on the ground. As the banner became airborne, it caught the handler's left foot, lifting him approximately 50 to 100 feet into the air. The handler then fell to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries.
Aftermath
The aircraft was not damaged, and the pilot was not injured. The operator reported that the ground handler had been employed for two weeks and had received training on proper procedures. No training is required under 14 CFR Part 91 for such operations.