Accident Description
A pilot was preparing for a banner towing flight and attempted to pick up a banner from the ground. According to the pilot, the first two attempts were unsuccessful. On the third attempt, the pilot successfully connected with the banner. After the banner was attached, the airplane entered a steep left turn. The pilot reported that efforts to level the wings were unsuccessful, and the airplane descended to the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage at the accident site revealed that the airplane was in a nose low attitude. The leading edge of the left wing was damaged. The left wing was displaced aft from its normally installed position. Additionally, the left wing had spar damage. The firewall was buckled, and the tail wheel was separated from the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane during the flight.