CEN26LA242

On July 4, 2026, about 0942 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N386AB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Forest Lake, Minnesota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 banner tow flight. The pilot reported that he completed a normal preflight inspection and engine runup. After a successful banner hook, the airplane struggled to climb. The pilot increased the throttle and fuel mixture to full, but the airplane could not maintain level flight. The pilot jettisoned the banner, and the airplane continued to lose altitude. The pilot conducted a forced landing into trees resulting in substantial damage to both wings, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. According to FAA Special Airworthiness Bulletin CE-09-35, weather at the time of the accident was conducive to the formation of serious icing at glide power. The pilot reported that he did not turn on the carburetor heat when troubleshooting the loss of engine power.