Flight Details
The pilot completed three banner tow flights in the airplane on the day of the accident. He refueled between the second and third flights. According to the pilot, the engine ran perfectly during takeoff. He initiated a climb of 30 degrees and, at 400 feet, began a right 270-degree turn and leveled off. During the level off, manifold pressure was reduced to 24 inches.
Engine Failure
While in the turn, the pilot heard a pop, and the engine stopped producing power. He immediately lowered the nose and headed for the only open area visible—a concrete pad in a construction area. The pilot pumped the throttle several times and verified that the fuel was on, but he was unable to restart the engine.
Collision
As the airplane neared the intended touchdown point, a tractor-trailer truck moved in between the airplane and the pad. The airplane subsequently collided with the truck.
Post-Accident Observations
An operator who observed the takeoff heard the engine quit. He then heard several 'blurps' and assumed the pilot was moving the throttle in an attempt to restart the engine. The operator also noticed fuel coming out of the center section vent line when the nose was lowered and opined that, during the pushover to level flight, the pilot had entered a negative 'g' condition.
Examination
No discrepancies were found during examination of the airframe or engine.