FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Airplane Stalls During Banner Pickup, Collides with Ground (N4138Y)

Bunnell, FL, US

On July 19, 1997, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N4138Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Bunnell, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to ensure the airplane had adequate airspeed for banner pickup/towing operations, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent contact with the terrain. 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 pick-up for towing operations, the airplane stalled and collided with the ground. The pilot stated he was looking outside and did not monitor airspeed. Witnesses said the stall occurred upon hooking the banner.

Incident Overview

A tow plane attempting to retrieve a banner for aerial advertising stalled and struck the ground during the operation. The event occurred while the aircraft was attempting to hook the banner for towing. No pre-existing mechanical issues were reported by the pilot.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that after successfully hooking the banner, his attention was focused outside the cockpit rather than on the instrument panel. He indicated that he was unaware the aircraft had reached minimum airspeed, leading to the stall. The pilot explicitly stated that no mechanical problems were present with the airplane.

Witness Observations

Witnesses on the scene noted that the aircraft stalled immediately after making contact with the banner. According to their accounts, the stall and subsequent ground contact occurred as soon as the banner was hooked by the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1997 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Bunnell, FL?

During a banner pick-up for towing operations, the airplane stalled and collided with the ground. The pilot stated he was looking outside and did not monitor airspeed. Witnesses said the stall occurred upon hooking the banner.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1997 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N4138Y, at Bunnell, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to ensure the airplane had adequate airspeed for banner pickup/towing operations, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent contact with the terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.