Overview
A pilot conducting banner operations reported an incident during a pickup at an airport near Opa Locka. The pilot departed from North Perry Airport and proceeded to Opa Locka Airport to pick up the first banner of the day. Thunderstorms were present in the area, but banner operations continued.
Sequence of Events
Two coworkers had already picked up their banners before the pilot. The pilot deployed the hook and flew the pattern for the pickup. Upon approaching the poles, full engine power was applied and the rope was picked up. After pulling up, the ground crew signaled that the banner was about to be lifted. At that point, the pilot lowered the nose of the airplane, which was about 175 feet above the ground.
Instead of the usual leveling off, the airplane began to sink, and the sink rate accelerated rapidly upon picking up the banner. The pilot waited about 2 seconds for the situation to normalize, while ensuring all engine levers were at full power. The sink rate remained unchanged. Convinced that a hard landing was imminent, the pilot released the banner and landed straight ahead.
Outcome
The pilot successfully landed the airplane after releasing the banner. No further details about the aircraft or its occupants were provided.