Accident Details
On July 26, 2013, about 1420 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, registration N61929, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain near Farmingdale, New Jersey. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by High Exposure, Inc. under 14 CFR Part 91 as a local banner-tow flight. It had departed Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM) at about 1415. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported that while climbing through 300 feet above ground level (agl) with the engine at full power, the airplane experienced a sudden and abrupt loss of altitude. The pilot initiated a left turn to gain additional climb performance, but the airplane continued descending. At 200 feet agl, the pilot attempted to release the banner using all three tow releases, but received no indication of release. He continued the left turn to find a suitable emergency landing area. The pilot noted no loss of engine rpm throughout. He performed an emergency landing on a gravel path between two tree lines. The banner released shortly before impact; the hook was found about 250 feet from the airplane's final position. The airplane impacted the ground on a heading of 290 degrees, with about 15 degrees nose-down and 35 degrees left bank. The left wing then struck trees, and the airplane came to rest on airport property.
A witness who was assisting on the ground reported that the banner pickup appeared normal.
Pilot Information
According to FAA records, the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on May 30, 2013. As of the accident date, he reported 1,250 total flight hours, of which 1,160 were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Aircraft Information
The four-seat, high-wing, fixed tricycle-gear airplane was manufactured in 1975. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320 180-horsepower engine. According to maintenance logbook records, the most recent annual inspection was completed on July 20, 2013, at which time the airplane had accumulated 8,217 total hours in service.
Weather and Airport Information
The recorded weather at BLM at 1415 included wind from 320 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 3,900 feet and broken at 5,500 feet, temperature 27°C, dew point 15°C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 30.04 inches of mercury. BLM is a public, non-towered airport operating in Class G airspace with a field elevation of 153 feet msl. The airport has two asphalt runways: 03/21 (3,512 feet long by 50 feet wide) and 14/32 (7,371 feet long by 85 feet wide). Airport procedures state that banner-towing operations are conducted north of runway 14/32.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Continuity of engine controls, flight controls, and release mechanisms was confirmed at the accident site. Examination of the hook mechanism also revealed no anomalies.