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NTSB Report
June 29, 1991 · Piper J5 · N763WM
Berlin, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Berlin, MD
Aircraft
Piper J5
Tail Number
N763WM
Operator
Ocena Aerial Ads
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO91FA060
THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A BANNER TOWING FLIGHT WHEN IT CRASHED DURING A BANNER PICKUP ATTEMPT. WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT TOOKOFF FROM THE AIRFIELD, CIRCLED THE FIELD AND THEN DESCENDED TOWARD THE BANNER STAGING AREA WHICH WAS AT ABOUT MIDFIELD. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE BANNER WAS PICKED UP AND THE AIRPLANE CLIMBED. IT APPEARED THE AIRPLANE WOULD NOT OUTCLIMB A WOODED AREA AT THE END OF THE AIRFIELD. THE BANNER DROPPED FROM THE AIRPLANE AND SOON AFTERWARDS THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED IN A SPIN TO THE GROUND. THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE NOR EVIDENCE OF BANNER ENTANGLEMENT WITH THE RUDDER OR ELEVATOR.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQATE AIRSPEED WHICH CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO STALL.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A BANNER TOWING FLIGHT WHEN IT CRASHED DURING A BANNER PICKUP ATTEMPT. WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT TOOKOFF FROM THE AIRFIELD, CIRCLED THE FIELD AND THEN DESCENDED TOWARD THE BANNER STAGING AREA WHICH WAS AT ABOUT MIDFIELD. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE BANNER WAS PICKED UP AND THE AIRPLANE CLIMBED. IT APPEARED THE AIRPLANE WOULD NOT OUTCLIMB A WOODED AREA AT THE END OF THE AIRFIELD. THE BANNER DROPPED FROM THE AIRPLANE AND SOON AFTERWARDS THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED IN A SPIN TO THE GROUND. THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE NOR EVIDENCE OF BANNER ENTANGLEMENT WITH THE RUDDER OR ELEVATOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 EDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J5
Tail NumberN763WM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorOcena Aerial Ads
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsUnknown · UNKNOWN · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 8 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:17
Weather SourceWFAC