On July 4, 1998, a Cessna 170A (registration N1296D) was involved in an aviation accident near Renton, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Failure to jettison the external load and downdrafts were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing a low approach for a banner pickup reported an abnormal sink after leveling at 50 feet, leading to a hard landing that collapsed the left main landing gear.
Incident Summary
A pilot reported an accident during a banner pickup operation. The pilot had been cleared for a low approach to pick up a banner. After the banner was successfully picked up, the pilot applied full power and executed what was described as a normal abrupt climb. The airplane was leveled at approximately 50 feet above ground level when it experienced an abnormal sink. The pilot stated that he failed to release the banner, and the airplane continued to lose altitude. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground hard on the main landing gear. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, and the left wing contacted the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the winds were shifting at the time and that a downdraft might have been encountered. No further details regarding weather conditions or ATC communications were provided in the report.
Damage
The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained ground contact. The extent of additional damage was not specified.
What happened in the 4 Jul 1998 Cessna 170A accident near Renton, WA?
A pilot performing a low approach for a banner pickup reported an abnormal sink after leveling at 50 feet, leading to a hard landing that collapsed the left main landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1998 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N1296D, at Renton, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Failure to jettison the external load and downdrafts were factors.
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