What happened
The pilot attempted to perform a banner pickup, approaching the pickup poles at an angle from the right rather than being aligned with the target. During the approach, witnesses observed the right wing of the aircraft drop momentarily before the plane entered a climb using power.
As the aircraft neared the poles, the plane began to descend at an altitude between 75 and 100 feet. The aircraft then rolled to the right into an inverted position, ultimately impacting the ground in a right-wing-low, inverted state. At the time of the accident, the banner remained on the ground in its original pickup position, as the aircraft had not gained sufficient altitude or forward distance to lift it.
The investigation
Investigators found no evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction regarding the engine or the airframe. Upon inspection of the wreckage, the tow rope was found wrapped around the right wing of the aircraft. Witnesses also reported seeing the rope entangled with the wing during the maneuver.