Incident Details
A pilot was returning to the airfield after a banner towing flight when the aircraft's engine sputtered and quit. According to the pilot, about two minutes before the engine lost power, he had enriched the fuel mixture and turned on the fuel boost pump in preparation for landing.
Pilot Actions
During the forced landing, the pilot attempted to release the banner, but the tow release mechanism was jammed or fouled on the tow hitch. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing on the edge of a hayfield.
Landing and Impact
During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a tree. The extent of damage to the aircraft was not specified in the report.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe revealed seven gallons of fuel on board the airplane. The examination found no evidence of any pre-impact engine anomaly.