Accident Overview
On August 11, 2024, at approximately 1359 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, registration N2504M, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Ponce Inlet, Florida. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a banner tow flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during the second flight of the day, the airplane departed with 17 gallons of fuel. About one hour after departure, while at an altitude of about 500 feet above mean sea level, the engine experienced a momentary surge in power. This anomaly repeated several times before the engine lost power completely. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot released the banner and executed a forced landing to an exposed sandbar.
Landing and Post-Impact
During the landing roll on the sandbar, the airplane overran the sandbar and nosed over into the water. The rudder struck the river bottom, resulting in substantial damage. The airplane came to rest inverted in approximately 2 feet of saltwater, about 2 miles northeast of New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport (EVB), New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Examination
The wreckage was retained for further examination to determine the cause of the engine power loss.