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NTSB Report
June 6, 1992 · Piper PA-25 · N6179Z
Socastee, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 6, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Socastee, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-25
Tail Number
N6179Z
Operator
Barnstormer Flite Signs
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL92LA116
THE AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNING TO DROP A BANNER DURING A BANNER TOW OPERATION. THE BANNER CONTACTED TREES DURING THE MANEUVER, THE AIRCRAFT THEN STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. A POST CRASH FIRE CONSUMED MOST OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RELEASE MECHANISM FOR THE BANNER HAD NOT BEEN PULLED. OPERATION OF THE RELEASE MECHANISM SHOWED IT TO BE OPERATIONAL. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE BANNER BEING TOWED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 'HUGE'.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM TERRAIN DURING THE MANEUVER. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RELEASE THE BANNER, AND THE EXCESSIVE SIZE OF THE BANNER.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNING TO DROP A BANNER DURING A BANNER TOW OPERATION. THE BANNER CONTACTED TREES DURING THE MANEUVER, THE AIRCRAFT THEN STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. A POST CRASH FIRE CONSUMED MOST OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RELEASE MECHANISM FOR THE BANNER HAD NOT BEEN PULLED. OPERATION OF THE RELEASE MECHANISM SHOWED IT TO BE OPERATIONAL. THE INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE BANNER BEING TOWED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 'HUGE'.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:48 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-25
Tail NumberN6179Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBarnstormer Flite Signs
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC