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March 17, 2008 · Piper PA-25-260 · N169AB

Opa Locka, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Opa Locka, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-260
Tail Number
N169AB
Operator
Hiott S Flight Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA141

After a banner pickup, the pilot of the PA-25-260 felt the "left rudder pedal become stiff" after the banner came off of the ground. The pilot looked back at the tail of the airplane and verified that the "hook rope" had caught the towrope and not the tail wheel of the airplane. After circling to the right in the banner pattern, the pilot decided to release the banner in order to "free up the rudder." He flew over the drop zone but was unable to line the airplane up so he activated the banner release handle over a grassy area that was free from obstructions or people, but the release was not successful. The pilot still had minimal rudder control and the airplane wanted to turn to the right. He then decided to land the airplane. After lining up with another grassy area he retarded the throttle and "stalled" the airplane into a "three point landing." The airplane then touched down, veered to the right, and impacted a berm substantially damaging the airplane. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the hook rope was wrapped around the rudder horn.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-Rudder control system-Damaged/degraded - C

Full Narrative

After a banner pickup, the pilot of the PA-25-260 felt the "left rudder pedal become stiff" after the banner came off of the ground. The pilot looked back at the tail of the airplane and verified that the "hook rope" had caught the towrope and not the tail wheel of the airplane. After circling to the right in the banner pattern, the pilot decided to release the banner in order to "free up the rudder." He flew over the drop zone but was unable to line the airplane up so he activated the banner release handle over a grassy area that was free from obstructions or people, but the release was not successful. The pilot still had minimal rudder control and the airplane wanted to turn to the right. He then decided to land the airplane. After lining up with another grassy area he retarded the throttle and "stalled" the airplane into a "three point landing." The airplane then touched down, veered to the right, and impacted a berm substantially damaging the airplane. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the hook rope was wrapped around the rudder horn.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:49 EDT
Nearest AirportOpa Locka Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-260
Tail NumberN169AB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHiott S Flight Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data