Aircraft collision with trees following engine failure during banner tow flight

Casualties unknown • Panama City Bch, FL, US

An aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during a banner tow flight, resulting in a collision with trees during a forced landing on a golf course.

What happened

During the second banner tow flight of the day, while operating at 800 feet MSL, the engine sputtered and subsequently failed due to fuel exhaustion. In response to the loss of power, the pilot began a descent to perform a forced landing. During this descent, engine power was briefly restored before the engine failed a second time.

The pilot maneuvered the aircraft toward a golf course for landing. While rolling along a fairway, the airplane struck a tree. Following this impact, the aircraft yawed 180 degrees and became airborne, ultimately colliding with another tree at 15 feet AGL.

Probable cause

The engine failed because the aircraft ran out of fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-26 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Panama City Bch, FL?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion during a banner tow flight, resulting in a collision with trees during a forced landing on a golf course.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-26 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N8807L, operated by Aerial Ads, Inc., at Panama City Bch, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed because the aircraft ran out of fuel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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