On July 12, 1993, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N88189) operated by Ocean Aerial Ads, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING PULLUP FROM AN ATTEMPTED BANNER PICKUP, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A banner tow aircraft stalled and spun after a steep pullup, impacting a soybean field beside the runway and burning. No preimpact failure was found.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducted a local banner tow flight. After takeoff, the pilot deployed the banner pickup hook and maneuvered the airplane for a banner pickup. A witness, who was also a tow pilot, reported that the airplane was slower than normal at the pickup point, and the banner hook missed the tow cable. The witness stated that the pilot made a steeper than normal pullup, after which the airplane began a stall/spin.
Impact and Damage
The airplane impacted in a soybean field beside the runway and burned. Examination found no preimpact part failure or malfunction. However, the airplane was extensively damaged by impact and fire.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact mechanical issues were identified. The aircraft's condition post-impact precluded further analysis of the flight controls or systems.