# NTSB CHI86FEM10: Piper PA-25-235, N4811Y, Ionia, MI, July 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1986, 18:17 local (22:17 UTC)
- Place: Ionia, MI
- Coordinates: 42.979125, -85.049507 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9791&lon=-85.0495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13303
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FEM10
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13303/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FEM10

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - flight control,rudder - jammed (cause)
  - sign towing equipment - binding(mechanical) (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING INITIAL BANNER PICK-UP OF A BANNER TOWING OPERATION THE TOW CABLE FOULED THE RUDDER CONTROL MECHANISM. THE RUDDER WAS JAMMED AND THE BANNER RELEASE MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND LEFT WING FIRST AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4811Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4811Y), registered now, S/N 25-4592, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4592
- Airframe hours: 1159
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Benz Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1986, 3 hours before
- Departed: Y70, IONIA, MI
- Airport: Y70, Ionia County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 809 total, 28 in this make and model, 697 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 15 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860704030399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860704030399A), Jul 4, 1986: Piper PA25235, Ionia, MI, Substantial damage. The banner tow cable became entangled on the rudder horn. Aircraft stalled as banner dragged on the ground.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.