On November 11, 1989, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N4115Y) operated by Aerial Ads Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE BANNER TOW PICK UP EQUIPMENT BECAME ENTANGLED RESULTING IN A JAMMED RUDDER AND RESTRICTED AIRCRAFT CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner pick-up attempt, the hook fouled the aircraft's rudder, inducing a hard left rudder configuration. Unable to release the banner and losing altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in a farm field. After touchdown, the banner detached, but the aircraft subsequently struck a drainage ditch and overturned.
Accident Sequence
While attempting to pick up an aerial-towed banner, the aircraft's pick-up hook became entangled with the rudder, resulting in a hard left rudder flying configuration. The pilot was unable to free the banner from the aircraft. As altitude was being lost, the pilot made the decision to land in a farm field. After touchdown, the banner broke free from the aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck a drainage ditch and overturned.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the pick-up mechanism revealed no mechanical malfunction. The hook's interaction with the rudder was determined to have caused the control configuration that led to the loss of control and subsequent forced landing.