Aerial Advertising Incident Involving Piper PA-25-150 EC-ARY at San Javier Airport

Incident Overview and Flight Details On Friday, September 5, 2003, at 15:55 local time, Piper PA-25-150 EC-ARY departed from San Javier Airport (Murcia) for an aerial advertising operation. The aircraft was equipped with a single Lycoming O-320-A2B engine and a Sensenich M74DM propeller. The pilot, a 40-year-old Spanish commercial pilot, held over 2,000 total flight hours and more than 600 hours on type. The last 500-hour maintenance inspection was completed on August 13, 2003. ## Sequence of Events The aircraft took off normally from runway 05 and was cleared for a right-hand circuit to pick up a banner from a small island between the apron and taxiway. After completing the circuit, the pilot positioned the aircraft for the pickup and descended. Upon hooking the banner, the pilot initiated a climb, but the engine reportedly took several seconds to respond. During the drag along the island and apron, the banner snagged a light. Unable to gain altitude, the pilot released the banner at the end of the apron, but the aircraft continued to lose speed and altitude. At 16:03, the pilot executed an emergency landing, stopping approximately 80 meters in front of the fire service building. During the final segment, the left landing gear struck the ground twice, and the left wing contacted shrubs. The pilot exited the aircraft unassisted and was uninjured. ## Damage and Post-Incident Findings The aircraft sustained minor damage, including a 2 cm nick on a propeller blade, damage to the main landing gear shock absorbers and structure, and deformation of the left wing's main spar and several ribs. Additionally, a parking light and the covers of two utility boxes were broken. After the incident, the aircraft taxied to the apron under its own power. Subsequent tests of the engine and propeller at maximum power for several minutes revealed no abnormal behavior or malfunctions. ## Meteorological Conditions and Probable Cause Meteorological data indicated a crosswind from the right with variable gusts during the banner pickup maneuver. The tower reported winds of 10-12 knots, while the 14:00 UTC METAR showed winds from 110° at 8 knots with variable directions between 050° and 150°. The investigation concluded that the crosswind likely induced a left bank, making the aircraft difficult to control during the maneuver. This difficulty prevented the banner from lifting off the ground within the usual 20-30 meters, causing it to be dragged until it snagged the light. The intensity of the crosswind was considered the probable cause of the incident.