Casualties unknown

Banner Towing Aircraft Entangled During Go-Around, Results in Inverted Rest (N53925)

Panama City Bch, FL, US

On September 11, 1994, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N53925) was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City Bch, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE BANNER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a banner towing operation, a pilot dropped a banner, then on approach decided to go around. During the go-around, the right main landing gear entangled with another banner, causing the aircraft to nosedive and come to rest inverted.

Accident Sequence

The pilot approached the airport from the south and dropped a banner. After the banner release, he flew northbound, reversed course, and set up an approach to land to the south. While on final approach, he recognized that he was too high and initiated a go-around. During the go-around, the right main landing gear became entangled with another banner that was set up for a pickup. The entanglement caused the airplane to nose down, collide with the ground, and come to rest inverted.

Additional Details

The incident involved a banner towing operation. The initial banner drop was completed successfully. The pilot then repositioned the aircraft for a landing attempt. The go-around was prompted by an excessive altitude on final approach. The second banner was positioned on the ground for a pickup and was not in flight. The entanglement resulted in a nose-down attitude and subsequent ground impact.

Investigation

The official accident investigation did not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or damage items. The time of day, weather conditions, and air traffic control involvement were also not specified. No probable cause was identified in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1994 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Panama City Bch, FL?

During a banner towing operation, a pilot dropped a banner, then on approach decided to go around. During the go-around, the right main landing gear entangled with another banner, causing the aircraft to nosedive and come to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1994 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N53925, at Panama City Bch, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE BANNER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02319. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.