On June 15, 2002, a Cessna 172R (registration N9857F) operated by Barn Stormers was involved in an aviation accident near N Myrtle Beach, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a banner tow pickup resulting in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a third attempt to pick up a banner, a Cessna 172R stalled after the pilot released the banner to recover from sinking. The left wing struck the ground.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during his third attempt to pick up a banner, the airplane exhibited a nose-up attitude as the banner began to lift off the ground. At that point, the airplane started to sink. The pilot released the banner, but the sinking continued. He then lowered the nose, which resulted in a stall. The wings began rocking back and forth, and the airplane continued to descend until the left wing collided with the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he did not experience any anomalies with the airplane prior to the stall.
Aircraft Information
Review of the Cessna 172R Skyhawk Information Manual indicates that the airplane will stall at 44 KIAS (51 KCAS) with 0 degrees of angle of bank.
What happened in the 15 Jun 2002 Cessna 172R accident near N Myrtle Beach, SC?
During a third attempt to pick up a banner, a Cessna 172R stalled after the pilot released the banner to recover from sinking. The left wing struck the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Jun 2002 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N9857F, operated by Barn Stormers, at N Myrtle Beach, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a banner tow pickup resulting in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
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