FTW02LA078

The pilot checked that both tanks were full and the fuel selector was in the right tank position prior to the banner tow flight. After having flown for "almost an hour," the pilot observed the right tank to be between one-half and one-quarter full, and decided it was too early to switch tanks. The pilot subsequently became involved in "the activities of the flight," and never checked the tanks again. At an altitude of 1,000 feet agl and 1.9 hours into the flight, the engine lost power. Two attempts to restart the engine proved unsuccessful, and a forced landing to an open area was initiated. The airplane hit the ground, bounced once, and flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The banner was not released during the forced landing.

On February 7, 2002, at 1722 central standard time, a Piper PA-18-150 single-engine airplane, N4013E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Houston, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Nighthawk Aerial Advertising, of Pearland, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 banner towing flight. The local flight originated from the Clover Field Airport, Pearland, at 1530.

According the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that prior to the flight, he had topped off both tanks, ensured the fuel selector was in the right tank position, and checked the fuel strainer. After having flown for "almost an hour," he checked the right tank, observed it to be between one-half to one-quarter full, and decided it was too early to switch to the left tank. The pilot reported that at this time he became involved in "the activities of the flight," and never checked the right tank again. After flying for 1.9 hours, at an altitude of 1,000 feet agl, the engine lost power. The pilot set up a glide and tried to restart the engine twice, but was unsuccessful in both attempts. At 400 feet agl, the pilot stated he headed for an open space, where the airplane hit, bounced once, and flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The banner was not released during the forced landing.

An examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane's fuselage was bent 30 degrees to the left, the cockpit was crushed, and the propeller was bent. An examination of the fuel tanks found no fuel in the right tank, while the left tank had fuel up to the filler neck.