Incident Details
After completing a banner pickup, the pilot of a Piper PA-25-260 experienced a stiff left rudder pedal as the banner came off the ground. The pilot looked back and verified that the hook rope had caught the towrope and not the tail wheel. Circling to the right in the banner pattern, the pilot decided to release the banner to free up the rudder. However, when attempting to release over a grassy area free of obstructions and people, the release was unsuccessful. The pilot retained minimal rudder control, and the airplane tended to turn right.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then opted to land. After lining up with another grassy area, he reduced throttle and stalled the airplane into a three-point landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered right and impacted a berm, resulting in substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft and found that the hook rope was wrapped around the rudder horn.