On April 3, 1993, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7011K) operated by Boomer Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Walton Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO VISUALLY INSPECT THE GRAPPLE HOOK/CABLE AFTER DEPLOYMENT, TO ENSURE IT WAS FREE FROM ALL CONTROL SURFACES PRIOR TO INITIATING A BANNER PICKUP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot deploying a grapple hook for banner pickup did not visually inspect it. The hook entangled around the rudder post horn, causing directional control issues, leading to a forced landing on a beach and a nose-over during rollout.
Incident Overview
While preparing to pick up a banner, a pilot released a grapple hook but did not visually check its deployment. After the banner was hooked, the pilot needed to apply full right rudder to maintain directional control. Subsequent inspection revealed that the grapple hook had become entangled around the rudder post horn.
Unsuccessful Banner Release
Attempts by the pilot to release the banner were unsuccessful, necessitating a forced landing. The airplane was directed to a beach for the landing.
Landing and Nose-Over
During the landing rollout, the airplane nosed over. The sequence of events ended with the aircraft inverted on the beach.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Apr 1993 Piper PA-20 accident near Fort Walton Bch, FL?
A pilot deploying a grapple hook for banner pickup did not visually inspect it. The hook entangled around the rudder post horn, causing directional control issues, leading to a forced landing on a beach and a nose-over during rollout.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N7011K, operated by Boomer Aviation Inc., at Fort Walton Bch, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO VISUALLY INSPECT THE GRAPPLE HOOK/CABLE AFTER DEPLOYMENT, TO ENSURE IT WAS FREE FROM ALL CONTROL SURFACES PRIOR TO INITIATING A BANNER PICKUP.
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