Accident Overview
A pilot was completing supervised training for banner-tow operations. The airplane, configured with a single seat, did not allow dual instruction, so the pilot maintained radio contact with an operator employee on the ground near the pick-up area. That employee provided guidance per the training curriculum.
Events Leading to the Accident
A witness monitoring the radio frequency heard the pilot report after picking up a banner that he had a full right rudder deflection. The operator employee instructed the pilot to land. Another witness observed the airplane making a left turn back toward the airport, consistent with a left downwind and base leg pattern for the runway.
The Stall and Impact
While on the base leg, the airplane stalled to the left and impacted the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the banner-tow rope was entangled around the airplane's rudder horn. Although the hook was in the release position, the banner remained attached to the airplane. Additionally, the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning system.
Pilot Experience and Training Context
According to the operator, the pilot had approximately 515 total flight hours, of which about 10 hours were spent conducting banner-tow operations in the accident airplane. The operator noted that it was possible for pilots to control and land an airplane with the tow rope entangled around the rudder horn, and that such entanglements were addressed during training.