What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-31 involved a Bellanca 7KCAB, registration N53748, at Farmingdale, NJ.

Banner Pick-up Results in Loss of Control and Collision with Wires and Hangar (N53748)

On July 31, 2004, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N53748) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmingdale, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and collision with wires. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a banner pick-up, the pilot added full power later than normal, leading to a steep pitch-up, wing rocking, descent, and collision with wires and a hangar after releasing the banner. No mechanical issues found.

Flight and Pick-up Procedure

The pilot departed and climbed out normally before proceeding to a banner pick-up. According to the operator, the standard procedure for a banner pick-up involved advancing the throttle to full power approximately 100 to 125 feet prior to the pick-up poles.

Witness Account

A witness observed that the pilot did not increase to full power until about 15 feet before the banner pick-up poles. After the airplane picked up the banner, it immediately pitched up steeply. The wings then began to rock back and forth, and the airplane started to descend while still connected to the banner.

Banner Release and Descent

The pilot released the banner, but the airplane continued descending and struck wires before impacting a hangar.

Aircraft Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions.

Probable Cause

The investigation did not state a probable cause.

2004-07-31: Bellanca 7KCAB (N53748) — Farmingdale, NJ