Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during an attempt to pick up an advertising banner, the aircraft's nose gear inadvertently snagged the towline, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. The incident occurred approximately 1,000 feet south of the banner pickup location.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the first low pass failed to engage the banner with the airplane's grapple hook assembly. On the second pass, the pilot believed he had again missed the aerial pickup towline and initiated a shallow climb out, rather than the steep climb required when the banner is successfully attached. Unknown to the pilot, the nose gear had caught the forward end of the 300-foot-long towline during this second pass.
Uncontrolled Descent
The banner could not be jettisoned and was dragged along the ground during the shallow climb. The pilot reported feeling an abrupt downward pull on the nose of the airplane, which caused him to lose control. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain.
Damage Assessment
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage, the engine mount, and the forward firewall. The pilot stated that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.
No Reported Injuries or Fatalities
The source does not specify any injuries or fatalities resulting from the accident.