Incident Overview
A pilot was attempting to pick up a banner located adjacent to the Garden State Parkway. The banner was successfully engaged, but the pilot reported that it felt heavy even with full power applied.
Flight Sequence
After picking up the banner, the pilot applied right rudder pressure to correct a wing-low attitude and forward pressure to lower the aircraft's nose. The aircraft did not accelerate as expected. As the pilot reached for the banner release, the left wing clipped a 20-foot pine tree.
Impact and Outcome
Following the wing strike, the aircraft cartwheeled counterclockwise and impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. No further information regarding the aircraft, occupants, or injuries was provided in the source.