Accident Details
The aircraft involved was configured for banner towing. The tow system consisted of a short cable attached to the tail with a hook on the end, used to snag the banner cable during a pickup maneuver.
Prior to takeoff, the tow cable was routed outboard of the rudder control cables, which were attached to the horn and springs of the tail wheel steering mechanism. During takeoff, the pilot held the hook under tension with his left hand and released it once airborne.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported a normal lift-off. After dropping the hook cable, he successfully hooked the banner cable near the end of Runway 25R. Immediately afterward, the rudder deflected fully to the right, and the pilot could not correct it with pedal application.
Unable to maintain directional control, the pilot made two right turns near the airport boundary in an attempt to return. During these turns, the banner snagged on a fence. The torn banner then became unstable and snagged on trees at an adjacent golf course, causing the aircraft to crash on the third fairway.
Post-accident examination revealed fresh cable signatures completely around the rudder control horn at the rudder cable attach point, indicating the banner cable had wrapped around the horn, jamming the rudder.