Accident Description
An aircraft engaged in a banner towing operation was flying at low level along a beach when witnesses observed it bank sharply to the right and subsequently dive into the water. Prior to the impact, witnesses reported hearing the engine producing a loud yet sputtering noise.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses on the beach provided accounts of the event. They described the airplane making an abrupt right turn and descending rapidly toward the water. The engine sound was characterized as being unusually loud and intermittent, reminiscent of sputtering.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident inspection of the wreckage focused on the flight control systems. The examination revealed that the carry-thru aileron cable had failed. Investigators determined that the failure was due to excessive wear and overload forces. Further analysis of the wire fracture was conducted, but it could not differentiate whether the failure occurred before the impact or was a result of the crash.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the aileron cable had failed from a combination of wear and overload, but the timing of the failure relative to the accident sequence remained unresolved. No other pre-existing mechanical issues were documented in the source.