Accident Overview
A pilot experienced a control difficulty after a banner pickup when the tow rope became entangled around the airplane's rudder horn. This resulted in a full right rudder deflection, which the pilot managed during the subsequent flight back to the airport.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's account, the entanglement occurred at the moment of banner pickup. The pilot returned to the airport with the banner still attached and unable to be released. To avoid the banner striking the ground before the runway, the pilot intentionally flew a steep descent angle. The pilot later stated that he recovered too late from the descent, leading to a hard landing that caused the main landing gear to collapse.
Damage
As a result of the hard landing, the airplane sustained damage to the main gear, which collapsed upon touchdown.