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NTSB Report
May 6, 1988 · Piper J5C · N41333
Gulf Shores, AL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Gulf Shores, AL
Aircraft
Piper J5C
Tail Number
N41333
Operator
American Banners
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL88LA166
A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A 'DOWNDRAFT' WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PICK UP A BANNER. THE MAIN LDG GEAR CAUGHT THE BANNER PICK-UP LINE AND CARRIED THE BANNER ALOFT. THE WITNESS RADIOED THE PLT TO ADVISE HIM OF THE SITUATION, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE AIRPLANE CLIMBED TO ABOUT 200 FT AGL WHILE CONTINUING TO HEAD NORTH INTO THE WIND, THEN BEGAN TO TURN DOWNWIND TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRPLANE NOSE DROPPED AS THE TURN WAS COMPLETED AND THE AIRPLANE ENTERED A SPIN TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN A NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. THE WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE WIND WAS GUSTING UP TO 25 KNOTS FROM THE NORTH AT THE TIME. THE PLT WAS REPORTEDLY NOT WEARING HIS SEAT BELT, AND NO SHOULDER HARNESS WAS INSTALLED IN THE AIRPLANE.
Full Narrative
A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A 'DOWNDRAFT' WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PICK UP A BANNER. THE MAIN LDG GEAR CAUGHT THE BANNER PICK-UP LINE AND CARRIED THE BANNER ALOFT. THE WITNESS RADIOED THE PLT TO ADVISE HIM OF THE SITUATION, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. THE AIRPLANE CLIMBED TO ABOUT 200 FT AGL WHILE CONTINUING TO HEAD NORTH INTO THE WIND, THEN BEGAN TO TURN DOWNWIND TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRPLANE NOSE DROPPED AS THE TURN WAS COMPLETED AND THE AIRPLANE ENTERED A SPIN TO THE RIGHT. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN A NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. THE WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE WIND WAS GUSTING UP TO 25 KNOTS FROM THE NORTH AT THE TIME. THE PLT WAS REPORTEDLY NOT WEARING HIS SEAT BELT, AND NO SHOULDER HARNESS WAS INSTALLED IN THE AIRPLANE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest AirportJack Edwards (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length5400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J5C
Tail NumberN41333
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Banners
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 14 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC