Accident Overview
A pilot completed banner tow operations and initiated a left climbing turn. During the climb, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot was unable to restore power and maneuvered the airplane to the right, toward the approach end of runway 27. The airplane, on a 120-degree magnetic heading, landed across the runway surface, rolled into the grass, and collided with a fence.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed that the wings had detached, the main landing gear had collapsed, and there was damage to the engine and propeller. The fuel tanks were breached, but more than 12 gallons of fuel was recovered from the left tank. Examination of the engine failed to disclose any anomalies. The pilot did not report using carburetor heat during the flight. No mechanical malfunctions with the airplane were reported prior to the accident.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, wind was from 360 degrees at 8 knots, visibility was 10 miles, temperature was 31 degrees Celsius, and dewpoint was 26 degrees Celsius. A review of icing probability curves indicated conditions favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.