# NTSB BFO86LA026: Cessna 150G, N4004J, Selbyville, DE, May 17, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1986, 12:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Selbyville, DE
- Coordinates: 38.470016, -75.170936 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4700&lon=-75.1709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11246
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO86LA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11246/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86LA026

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - sign towing equipment - other
  - miscellaneous equipment - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - miscellaneous equipment - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - load jettison - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - not possible
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT IMPACTED TREES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RELEASE A BANNER AT THE DROP ZONE. THE ACFT WAS REPORTEDLY EQUIPPED WITH SEPARATE TOWING AND RELEASE MECHANISMS, SO THAT UP TO FOUR BANNERS COULD BE TOWED IN SUCCESSION WITHOUT THE ACFT HAVING TO LAND. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE RELEASE MECHANISM FOR THE BANNER IN TOW DURING THE ACCIDENT HAD FAILED TO RELEASE. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION; WHEN THE SUSPECT MECHANISM WAS ACTUATED AFTER THE CRASH, IT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. EXAMINATION ALSO REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE OTHER MECHANISMS WAS IN THE RELEASE POSITION. AFTER THE ATTEMPTED BANNER DROP, THE PLT REPORTEDLY BEGAN A CLIMB WITHOUT CHECKING TO SEE IF THE BANNER HAD RELEASED, AND DID NOT USE THE CLIMB PROCEDURE NECESSARY FOR A BANNER IN TOW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4004J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4004J-1988-04-26), registration cancelled 1988-04-26, S/N 15065304 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150G
- Registry model: [Cessna 150G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150g) (registry code 2071816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15065304
- Engines: LYCOMING 0320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Atlantic Coastal Aerial Advt, doing business as Sky Banners
- Registered owner: Thomas J. Calvanelli
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1986
- Airport: ON7, Warrington Airport, runway 14, 2,250 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 523 total, 33 in this make and model, 367 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19860517084049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860517084049A), May 17, 1986: Cessna STC150, Shelbyville, DE, Substantial damage. The towplane struck trees when unable to release banner. Pilot pulled wrong release and failed to climbout properly

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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