Flight Sequence
Witnesses reported that the pilot prepared a personal banner and flew it over his sister's house. He then dropped the banner at the departure airport. After landing, he asked the owner of a banner towing company for permission to fly a larger banner around the traffic pattern. The owner agreed, and the pilot took off for another banner flight.
Banner Pickup and Maneuver
The pilot performed a long, low, straight approach toward the banner, picked it up, and then while climbing, dropped the banner. The airplane was observed to continue climbing to about 200 feet, at which point the wings were observed to rock. The airplane then rolled to the right, pitched nose down, and impacted the ground.
Engine and Systems Examination
Witnesses reported that the engine sounded steady from the time of the banner pickup to the in-flight loss of control. Examination of the flight controls and flap system revealed no preimpact failure or malfunction. Examination of the engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction. The airplane was equipped with the originally installed (standard type) fixed pitch propeller.