On February 14, 1998, an Aviat A-1 (registration N49364) was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to pick up a banner, which led to a stall, loss of altitude, and collision with the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a banner pickup maneuver from a pontoon boat, the pilot descended to 100 feet and turned base leg. The left wing stalled, resulting in a water impact. The airplane was over maximum gross weight.
Pilot Report
The pilot initiated a series of patterns to set up for a banner pickup from a pontoon boat. The pattern began at 400 feet mean sea level and descended to 100 feet. On the final pattern, the pilot turned onto the base leg at 100 feet. The pilot noted that although the airspeed indicator read 65 miles per hour, the perceived airspeed seemed slower. Shortly after, the left wing dipped, and the airplane began to descend. The left wingtip struck the water, and the aircraft cartwheeled.
FAA Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the scene and reported that the pilot was executing a left turn at an altitude of 100 feet when the left wing stalled. The airplane then rotated to the left, lost altitude, and contacted the water. The inspector also determined that the airplane was operating at a weight above its maximum gross weight.
What happened in the 14 Feb 1998 Aviat A-1 accident near Clearwater, FL?
During a banner pickup maneuver from a pontoon boat, the pilot descended to 100 feet and turned base leg. The left wing stalled, resulting in a water impact. The airplane was over maximum gross weight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Feb 1998 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N49364, at Clearwater, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to pick up a banner, which led to a stall, loss of altitude, and collision with the water.
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