# NTSB MIA05CA163: Piper PA-25-235, N7788Z, Opa Locka, FL, September 25, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 25, 2005, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Opa Locka, FL
- Coordinates: 25.906944, -80.278335
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.9069&lon=-80.2783&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62595
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA05CA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62595/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05CA163

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, during a banner pick up, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with terrain during the uncontrolled descent.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot stated he departed from the North Perry Airport and proceeded toward the Opa Locka Airport to pick up his first banner of the day. He noted thunderstorms in the area but their banner operations were still ongoing. Two of his coworkers picked up their banner before him. He deployed the hook and flew the pattern for the pick up. Upon approaching the poles, he applied full engine power and picked up the rope. He pulled up and upon the ground crew signaling that the banner is about to be lifted, he proceeded to lower the nose of the airplane, which was about 175 feet above the ground. At that point, instead of the usual leveling off, the airplane started to sink and upon picking up the banner, the sink rate accelerated rapidly. He waited about 2 seconds for things to normalize while ensuring all engine levers were in the full power position. The sink rate kept the same. By now he was sure that a hard landing was imminent so he released the banner and landed straight ahead.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7788Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-25-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-3996
- Engines: Lycoming O-540 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Banner tow, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aerial Banners, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: KHWO, Pembrook Pine, FL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: KOPF, Opa Locka

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; flight hours: 2,500 total, 400 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.05 inHg
- Observed at: OPF

## 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 20050925023499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050925023499A), Sep 25, 2005: Piper PA25235, Miami, FL, Substantial damage. (-23) At opa-Locka airport approximately 1100 hours local, aircraft had just retrieved banner and was attempting to level off from nose up attitude. At…

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.