Incident
A northbound banner-towing biplane collided with the banner being towed by a southbound J-3 while both aircraft were flying approximately 500 feet above the water and about 200 yards offshore. The banner became entangled in the front section of the biplane, causing it to enter approximately three-quarters of a spin before impacting the ocean at an angle of about 60 degrees.
Circumstances
The collision occurred in the Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA). Both aircraft were operating without the required radio clearance for that airspace. The owner of the biplane commented that the pilot had been experiencing personal problems prior to the accident.
Damage
The biplane sustained substantial damage upon impact with the water. The J-3's banner was tangled and likely damaged, but the extent of damage to the J-3 itself is not specified.
The accident highlights the need for proper airspace coordination during banner-towing operations.