On June 13, 1992, a Champion 7GCAA (registration N2519F) operated by Loren L. Franzen was involved in an aviation accident near Brainerd, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN EXCESSIVE PULL UP AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING SPEED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A banner towing airplane crashed after missing a pickup attempt, entering a steep climbing left turn that led to a descent into terrain. Engine was running until impact; no mechanical defects found.
Accident Description
The pilot of the accident airplane had just departed for a banner towing flight and was maneuvering to pick up an aerial advertising banner. Witnesses observed the airplane miss the attempted pickup. Subsequently, the airplane started a climbing left turn. The turn became progressively steeper until the airplane stopped climbing and descended into the ground.
Witness Observations
All witnesses reported that the engine was running until impact.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, examination of the wreckage disclosed no mechanical defects in the airplane.