Casualties unknown

Banner Tow Aircraft Collides with Water During Approach (N3292Z)

FT Walton Beach, FL, US

On July 19, 1992, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3292Z) operated by Boomer Aviation,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near FT Walton Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE WHILE TURNING ON FINAL APPROACH OVER WATER TO LAND AT AN AIRPORT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot, after releasing a towed banner, climbed to 300 ft AGL and entered left traffic for Runway 36. During the turn onto final, the airplane descended and the left main landing gear struck water, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest in shallow water.

Incident Summary

A commercial pilot was conducting a banner tow flight. After completing the tow, the pilot made a low level approach to the runway and released the banner. Following release, the pilot initiated a climb to 300 feet above ground level (AGL) and entered left traffic for Runway 36.

Flight Sequence

During the turn onto final approach, the airplane began to descend. At the time, the aircraft was in a bank of approximately 15 to 20 degrees. The left main landing gear subsequently collided with water, causing the airplane to nose over.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest in 3 to 4 feet of water, approximately 200 yards southwest of the runway. The aircraft sustained damage from the impact with water and the subsequent nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.