Banner Towing Aircraft Impacts Ground During Final Approach

Casualties unknown • Cross Keys, NJ, US

A banner towing aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a final approach following a flight over a stadium.

What happened

The pilot was engaged in a contract flight to perform banner towing services over a stadium. Throughout the day, the area experienced steady winds averaging 15 to 20 knots, with gusts reaching between 25 and 30 knots. The pilot had completed one previous flight earlier that day under similar wind conditions.

After returning to the airport of departure and releasing the banner, the pilot transitioned to a final approach for Runway 9. The aircraft was configured with one notch of flaps and was traveling at 80 mph. The winds were blowing from 100 degrees. While at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the right wing dropped. The pilot was unable to recover control of the aircraft, which subsequently contacted the ground in a right wing low attitude. The impact occurred approximately 50 feet short of the runway.

For reference, the aircraft's stall speed is 43 mph with landing flaps and 47 mph with flaps retracted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-05-02 Piper PA-18A-150 accident near Cross Keys, NJ?

A banner towing aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a final approach following a flight over a stadium.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-05-02 involved a Piper PA-18A-150, registration N6894B, operated by David Dempsy, at Cross Keys, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18858. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…