On November 5, 1986, a Grumman G-164A (registration N711WW) was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While making a banner pick-up, the aircraft engaged the banner and entered a climb. After releasing the banner, the aircraft mushed into a partially built hangar, crashed, and burned. The pilot, on fire, exited via the right canopy hatch. Bystanders and airport crash rescue personnel extinguished the flames, but the pilot later died from burns. The prop governor was set at about 1600 RPM; recommended RPM for banner pick-up was 2200 RPM.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the aircraft as it engaged a banner during a pick-up maneuver and subsequently entered a climb. The pilot then released the banner, after which the aircraft mushed into a partially built hangar, crashed, and caught fire.
Post-Crash Events
The pilot, who was on fire, exited the aircraft through the right canopy hatch. Bystanders and airport crash rescue personnel extinguished the flames. The pilot was hospitalized but later died from the burns sustained in the accident.
Propeller Governor Setting
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the propeller governor was set at approximately 1600 RPM. The recommended RPM for banner pick-up operations was 2200 RPM.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Nov 1986 Grumman G-164A accident near Orlando, FL?
While making a banner pick-up, the aircraft engaged the banner and entered a climb. After releasing the banner, the aircraft mushed into a partially built hangar, crashed, and burned. The pilot, on fire, exited via the right canopy hatch. Bystanders and airport crash rescue personnel extinguished the flames, but the…
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 1986 Grumman G-164A accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Nov 1986 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N711WW, at Orlando, FL.