Event Details
A banner-towing airplane was cruising at 1,000 feet when the pilot reported that the engine 'began to sputter.' In response, the pilot switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel boost pump, pulled the carburetor heat, and increased the mixture. The engine momentarily smoothed out before quitting completely.
Pilot Actions
After the engine failure, the pilot jettisoned the banner and executed a forced landing onto a highway. During the landing roll, the pilot swerved the airplane to avoid vehicles, resulting in the aircraft impacting a curb. The impact sheared the nosewheel and damaged the firewall.
Post-Accident Examination
FAA inspectors examined the airplane and found fuel present in the tanks. The engine was subsequently started and ran without any malfunctions.