On May 25, 1999, a Grumman G-164A (registration N711ZY) was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to prevent the banner tow line from becoming entangled with the left main landing gear and landing light during the pickup attempt, which resulted in the airplane nosing over upon landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot's second attempt to pick up a banner resulted in the tow line becoming entangled with the aircraft's left main landing gear and landing light, leading to a nose-over upon touchdown on runway 25.
What happened
The pilot reported that an initial attempt to retrieve a banner for towing was unsuccessful. After receiving clearance from the control tower, she initiated a second pickup attempt. During this operation, the banner tow line became entangled around the left main landing gear. The pilot executed a go-around maneuver and subsequently landed on runway 25. Upon touchdown, the banner remained attached and became further entangled with a landing light. This configuration caused the airplane to nose over upon coming to rest.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the entanglement of the banner tow line with critical aircraft components during the pickup phase. The mechanical interference between the tow line and the landing gear, followed by contact with the landing light, directly resulted in the loss of directional control and the subsequent nose-over event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to prevent the banner tow line from becoming entangled with the left main landing gear and landing light during the pickup attempt, which resulted in the airplane nosing over upon landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 May 1999 Grumman G-164A accident near Orlando, FL?
A pilot's second attempt to pick up a banner resulted in the tow line becoming entangled with the aircraft's left main landing gear and landing light, leading to a nose-over upon touchdown on runway 25.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 May 1999 involved a Grumman G-164A, registration N711ZY, at Orlando, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to prevent the banner tow line from becoming entangled with the left main landing gear and landing light during the pickup attempt, which resulted in the airplane nosing over upon landing.
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