On July 5, 1993, a Cessna 172K (registration N79034) operated by Star Ads. Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Torrance, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN ENCOUNTER WITH A WINDSHEAR CONDITION. THE DELAYED BANNER JETTISON WAS A FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner towing flight, the pilot performed an aerial pick-up over the runway. After pick-up, the banner folded forward, causing a steep nose-high attitude and roll oscillations. The pilot jettisoned the banner but could not prevent a stall; the airplane descended nose-down and hit the ground.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was beginning a banner towing flight and maneuvered over the runway for an aerial pick-up of the banner. Just after the pick-up, the body of the banner began to fold forward toward the airplane and the head of the banner began to descend. This produced a steep nose high attitude, and the airplane began to roll from side to side. The pilot jettisoned the banner; however, he was unable to prevent a stall. The airplane descended in a steep nose down attitude and struck the ground adjacent to the runway.
Environmental Conditions
Witnesses reported that nearby hills produce turbulence and windshear conditions. Additionally, a wind shift at the airport had been reported about an hour before the accident.
What happened in the 5 Jul 1993 Cessna 172K accident near Torrance, CA?
During a banner towing flight, the pilot performed an aerial pick-up over the runway. After pick-up, the banner folded forward, causing a steep nose-high attitude and roll oscillations. The pilot jettisoned the banner but could not prevent a stall; the airplane descended nose-down and hit the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N79034, operated by Star Ads. Inc., at Torrance, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A WINDSHEAR CONDITION. THE DELAYED BANNER JETTISON WAS A FACTOR.
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