Banner Towing Airplane Impacts Ground During Release

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred following a local banner towing flight. The pilot returned to the airport to drop the banner. With flaps set at 10 degrees, the pilot flew the airplane approximately 200 feet above the runway and slowed to an airspeed of 60 knots. After releasing the banner, the pilot applied full engine power and noted a surge/deceleration. Believing the banner had not released, the pilot reached down and pulled the banner release handle a second time. During this action, the airplane's left wing and nose dropped. The pilot was able to recover the airplane to wings level, but before the descent could be arrested, the airplane impacted the ground and nosed over.

Postaccident Examination

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.