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NTSB Report
March 25, 1989 · Bellanca 7KCAB · N90985
Daytona Bch Shr, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Daytona Bch Shr, FL
Aircraft
Bellanca 7KCAB
Tail Number
N90985
Operator
Aerial Messages
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA89FA115
WHILE FLYING OFFSHORE SOUTHBOUND AT AN ALT OF 300-400 FT, THE BANNER TOWING BELLANCA PASSED TO THE RT, THE LAST OF A FLT OF FOUR BANNER TOWING SUPER CUB ACFT CRUISING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, PLACING THE ACFT CLOSER TO SHORE. WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND, THE PLT INITIATED A 'VERY TIGHT' RT TURN TO RETURN NORTHBOUND. DURING THE TURN, THE ACFT DID WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A WING OVER & WHILE DESCENDING EASTBOUND WITH THE BANNER ATTACHED, THE MAIN GEAR CONTACTED A WAVE CAUSING THE ACFT TO NOSE INTO THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF EITHER THE FLT CONTROLS OR ENG. THE BANNER RELEASE MECHANISM WAS EXAMINED & THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE MINIMUM ALT FOR BANNER TOWING OTHER THAN FOR PICKUP'S AND DROP'S IS 500 FT WHEN AUTHORIZED BY ATC.
NTSB Probable Cause
IN-FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE MANEUVERING TO REVERSE DIRECTION DUE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE 'STEEP TURN.'
Full Narrative
WHILE FLYING OFFSHORE SOUTHBOUND AT AN ALT OF 300-400 FT, THE BANNER TOWING BELLANCA PASSED TO THE RT, THE LAST OF A FLT OF FOUR BANNER TOWING SUPER CUB ACFT CRUISING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, PLACING THE ACFT CLOSER TO SHORE. WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND, THE PLT INITIATED A 'VERY TIGHT' RT TURN TO RETURN NORTHBOUND. DURING THE TURN, THE ACFT DID WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A WING OVER & WHILE DESCENDING EASTBOUND WITH THE BANNER ATTACHED, THE MAIN GEAR CONTACTED A WAVE CAUSING THE ACFT TO NOSE INTO THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF EITHER THE FLT CONTROLS OR ENG. THE BANNER RELEASE MECHANISM WAS EXAMINED & THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE MINIMUM ALT FOR BANNER TOWING OTHER THAN FOR PICKUP'S AND DROP'S IS 500 FT WHEN AUTHORIZED BY ATC.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:48 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7KCAB
Tail NumberN90985
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAerial Messages
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:46
Weather SourceWFAC