Accident Overview
The accident involved a Piper J-3 aircraft towing a banner. Witnesses observed the flight climb to the north before turning toward the west at about 300 feet above ground. The aircraft appeared to almost stop in the air, at which point the left wing dropped and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. Engine noise ceased, and the aircraft continued spinning until ground impact.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
Examination of the aircraft structure, flight control systems, and engine revealed no evidence indicating pre-crash failure or malfunction. The pilot had accumulated 437 total flight hours, with 168 hours in Piper J-3 aircraft and 146 flight hours towing banners. According to company personnel, the pilot had been counseled on three occasions for allowing the aircraft to get too slow after banner pickup and for performing uncoordinated turns at slow speed after banner pickup.
Trim Setting
After the accident, the elevator trim was found 1 degree from the full nose-up position. Company personnel stated that a slight nose-up trim is used for banner pickup, but near full nose-up trim is excessive.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a specific cause for the loss of control. No probable cause was determined.