On June 6, 1992, a Piper PA-25 (registration N6179Z) operated by Barnstormer Flite Signs, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Socastee, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM TERRAIN DURING THE MANEUVER. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RELEASE THE BANNER, AND THE EXCESSIVE SIZE OF THE BANNER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner tow operation, the aircraft attempted to drop a banner. The banner contacted trees, the aircraft stalled, and it collided with terrain. A post-crash fire consumed most of the aircraft. The banner release mechanism was not pulled but was functional. The towed banner was described as 'huge'.
Accident Overview
During a banner tow operation, the aircraft was returning to drop a banner when the banner contacted trees during the maneuver. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled and collided with the terrain. A post-crash fire consumed most of the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the release mechanism for the banner had not been pulled. Operation of the release mechanism showed it to be operational. The inspector stated that the banner being towed at the time of the accident was 'huge'.
Details
The sequence of events began as the aircraft maneuvered to release the banner. The banner made contact with trees, leading to a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. The fire that followed destroyed the majority of the airframe. No additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or occupants were provided in the source.