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NTSB Report
July 5, 1991 · Champion 7KCAB · N5BJ
Berlin, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Berlin, MD
Aircraft
Champion 7KCAB
Tail Number
N5BJ
Operator
Ocean Aerial Ads
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO91LA064
THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING AN AIRBORNE PICK UP OF A BANNER WHEN THE TAIL WHEEL CAUGHT THE BANNER AND UNINTENTIONALLY, A SECOND BANNER. HE FIRST ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE BOTH BANNERS BUT THEY WERE ENTANGLED WITH THE TAILWHEEL. THE ADDED DRAG CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO LOSE ALTITUDE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN TO THE FIELD. THE PILOT CONCENTRATED ON TRYING TO FIND A SUITABLE PLACE TO LAND, BUT THE AIRPLANE SETTLED INTO A WOODED AREA AND STRUCK SOME TREES, ABOUT A HALF-MILE FROM THE AIRFIELD.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE UNSUITABLE PLACEMENT OF TWO BANNERS (IMPROPER PLANNING) BY OTHER PERSONNEL CAUSING AN UNINTENTIONAL PICKUP OF BOTH BANNERS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING AN AIRBORNE PICK UP OF A BANNER WHEN THE TAIL WHEEL CAUGHT THE BANNER AND UNINTENTIONALLY, A SECOND BANNER. HE FIRST ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE BOTH BANNERS BUT THEY WERE ENTANGLED WITH THE TAILWHEEL. THE ADDED DRAG CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO LOSE ALTITUDE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RETURN TO THE FIELD. THE PILOT CONCENTRATED ON TRYING TO FIND A SUITABLE PLACE TO LAND, BUT THE AIRPLANE SETTLED INTO A WOODED AREA AND STRUCK SOME TREES, ABOUT A HALF-MILE FROM THE AIRFIELD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftChampion 7KCAB
Tail NumberN5BJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOcean Aerial Ads
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC