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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 14, 1998 · Aviat A-1 · N49364

Clearwater, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 14, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Clearwater, FL
Aircraft
Aviat A-1
Tail Number
N49364
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA042

According to the pilot, he made a series of 'patterns' to prepare for a banner pickup off of a pontoon boat. He began the pattern at 400 feet mean sea level and descended to 100 feet. On his last pattern, the pilot turned onto the base leg at 100 feet. He stated the airspeed seemed slower than the indicated 65 miles per hour. The pilot stated the left wing then dipped, and the airplane began a descent. The left wingtip struck the water, and the plane cart-wheeled. According to an FAA inspector, the pilot was making a left turn at an altitude of 100 feet when the left wing stalled. The airplane then rotated left, lost altitude, and struck the water. The FAA inspector also noted the airplane was over maximum gross weight.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to pick up a banner, which led to a stall, loss of altitude, and collision with the water.

Full Narrative

On February 14, 1998, about 1330 eastern standard time, a Aviat, Inc. A-1, N49364, impacted the water while attempting to pickup a banner for towing in Clearwater, Florida. The airplane was operated by Aerial Billboard Corporation under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Clearwater, Florida at 1315. According to the pilot, he made a series of "patterns" to prepare for a banner pickup off a pontoon boat. He began the pattern at 400 feet mean sea level (msl) and descended to 100 feet. On his last pattern, the pilot turned onto the base leg at 100 feet, and he stated the airspeed seemed slower than the indicated 65 miles per hour (mph). The pilot stated the left wing then dipped, and the airplane began a descent. The left wingtip struck the water, and the airplane cart-wheeled. According to the FAA, the pilot was making a left turn at an altitude of 100 feet when the left wing stalled. The airplane then rotated left, lost altitude, and struck the water. The FAA inspector also noted the airplane was over maximum gross weight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat A-1
Tail NumberN49364
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C1G · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data