Accident Overview
On August 2, 2011, at 1500 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N87020) sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The aircraft was registered to an individual and operated by Heads Up Advertising. The pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a company flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 banner towing flight. The flight originated from Woodbine Municipal Airport (OBI) in Woodbine, New Jersey, approximately 1450.
Sequence of Events
According to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot fueled the airplane before flying toward the banner pickup area. The pilot attempted to pick up the banner three times without success before maneuvering for a fourth attempt. During this attempt, the banner was not acquired. The ground handler responsible for the banner looked away to prepare for another attempt and moments later heard a loud impact noise. He observed that the airplane had crashed into the ground about half a mile from the pickup area, on the crosswind leg of the banner tow pattern.
A witness reported seeing the airplane flying approximately 100 feet above ground level. She noted that the wings were "wobbling" and the aircraft was in a nose-up attitude but not climbing. She then observed the airplane begin to "nosedive" and enter a spin, but she was unable to see it impact the ground.
The pilot stated that he had no recollection of the accident or the events leading up to it.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Bellanca 8GCBC was manufactured in 1974 and powered by a Lycoming O-360 series, 180-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on February 3, 2011, at which time the aircraft had accumulated 6,698.0 total hours, with a recorded tachometer reading of 2,090.15 hours. The tachometer found in the wreckage indicated 2,236.91 hours.
The pilot, aged 20, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued in May 2011. He reported a total of 600 flight hours, of which 65 hours were in the accident airplane make and model.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA examination of the wreckage revealed that flight control continuity was verified to all control surfaces. Fuel samples taken from each wing showed no water or contaminants. The engine was examined: the top and bottom spark plugs were removed with no issues noted, the crankshaft was rotated via the propeller flange with compression observed on all cylinders, and spark was obtained from the spark plug leads during rotation. No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were identified.
No probable cause was determined by the investigation.