Accident Details
The airplane was approaching the field for its first banner pickup of the day with no indications of difficulty. The pilot made contact with the pickup loop, entered a climb, and then performed a pushover at approximately 200 feet above ground level. The airplane lost some altitude and regained forward speed. The pilot released the banner, after which the airplane began to pitch upward, followed by a continually increasing bank and roll to the right. The airplane rolled to a full 90 degrees until it impacted with a tree.
Witness Account
A witness reported that the aircraft's engine noise sounded normal, then they heard the pilot pull the power, and shortly thereafter heard the sound of impact.
Pilot Information
At the time of the accident, the pilot had approximately 500 hours total flight time, with 60 hours in this make and model of airplane. The pilot had been employed by the operator for about two months and had approximately 40 hours of flight time in banner-towing operations.
Weather Conditions
Another pilot who was next to pick up a banner reported that the winds were light out of the north and there was no turbulence.