On 17 Oct 2011, a CESSNA 172N operated by AIR RELDAN INC was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a banner drop, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After a banner towing flight, the pilot released the banner and added full engine power. Sensing a surge/deceleration, the pilot attempted a second release, causing the left wing to drop. The airplane impacted the ground and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
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.