# NTSB ATL94LA069: Cessna 150L, N16233, N. Myrtle Beach, SC, March 26, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 26, 1994, 14:28 local (19:28 UTC)
- Place: N. Myrtle Beach, SC
- Coordinates: 33.819538, -78.669555 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8195&lon=-78.6696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3362
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3362/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA069

## Probable cause

The improper procedures used by ground personnel during banner tow operations.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - towing/advertising/external load equipment - entangled
  - procedures/directives - improper, other person (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A BANNER PICK-UP. THE TARGET BANNER BECAME ENTANGLED WITH ANOTHER BANNER ON THE SURFACE. THE WEIGHT AND DRAG OF THE TWO BANNERS TOGETHER EXCEEDED THE AIRPLANE'S AVAILABLE POWER. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND IMPACTED THE WATER NEXT TO THE PICK-UP POINT.

## Factual narrative

On March 26, 1994, at about 1428 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150L, N16233 was substantially damaged following a collision with water during a banner tow operation near N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by Aero Signs, Incorporated of N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight.

According to witnesses, the pilot was attempting a banner pick-up. During the banner pick-up, the banner became entangled with another banner on the surface. The weight and drag created by both banners resulted in an inability to maintain altitude. The aircraft stalled, and impacted the water.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16233](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16233-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 15073561, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15073561
- Airframe hours: 4940
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aero Signs, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, March 23, 1994, 4 hours before
- Departed: CRE
- Destination: CRE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 416 total, 70 in this make and model, 361 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRE, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940326006589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940326006589A), Mar 26, 1994: Cessna 150L, Myrtle Beach, SC, Substantial damage. Snagged two banners by mistake on banner pick up. Stalled and settled into water near Beach.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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