Accident Overview
On September 14, 2015, at approximately 1630 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N86705) sustained substantial damage when it impacted water near Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) in Manteo, North Carolina. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner tow flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to an eyewitness, after departure the pilot threw the grapple hook from the left window to retrieve the banner. The hook whipped downward and then upward, striking the right horizontal stabilizer, and the cable became lodged between the right horizontal stabilizer and the right elevator. The pilot continued to pick up the banner, maintaining wings level, and the engine sound increased. As the banner exerted load on the cable, the line pulled taut and the grappling hook became wedged between the horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot stated that the elevator was stuck in the down position, causing the airplane to descend and impact the water left of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The banner tow grappler hook line was wrapped around the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. Upon removal of the line, flight control continuity was confirmed to all surfaces. No devices were installed on the airplane or the tow line to prevent the grapple line from entangling with the rudder or elevator.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
FAA records indicate the airplane was manufactured in 1974 and registered to a corporation in 2014. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-320 series engine. The most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on June 26, 2015, with a total flight time of 4,442 hours. The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land rating and a flight instructor certificate. Her second-class medical was issued on August 30, 2015. She reported 5,000 hours total flight time, including 2,000 hours in the same make and model and 3,000 hours of banner tow operations.