# NTSB MIA93LA096: Piper PA-20, N7011K, Fort Walton Bch, FL, April 3, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1993, 11:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Fort Walton Bch, FL
- Coordinates: 30.409542, -86.659416 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4095&lon=-86.6594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 17, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33249
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA93LA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33249/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93LA096

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO VISUALLY INSPECT THE GRAPPLE HOOK/CABLE AFTER DEPLOYMENT, TO ENSURE IT WAS FREE FROM ALL CONTROL SURFACES PRIOR TO INITIATING A BANNER PICKUP.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - sign towing equipment - entangled (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT RELEASED A GRAPPLE HOOK IN PREPARATION OF PICKING UP A BANNER, AND DID NOT VISUALLY CHECK THE GRAPPLE HOOK AFTER DEPLOYMENT. UPON BANNER HOOK UP, THE PILOT HAD TO APPLY FULL RIGHT RUDDER TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE GRAPPLE HOOK WAS ENTRANGLED AROUND THE RUDDER POST HORN. ATTEMPTS TO RELEASE THE BANNER WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. A FORCED LANDING WAS CONDUCTED TO THE BEACH. ON LANDING ROLL OUT THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7011K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7011K), registered now, S/N 20-117, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-117
- Airframe hours: 1477
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Boomer Aviation Inc.
- Registered owner: Jeter D. Barron
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 29, 1992, 57 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,032 total, 65 in this make and model, 900 as pilot in command, 183 in the last 90 days, 58 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HRT, 10 nm away

## 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 19930403007909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930403007909A), Apr 3, 1993: Piper STCPA20, Fort Walton Bea, FL, Substantial damage. Banner tow rope fouled rudder on pickup. Unable release banner. Nosed over landing on beach. Improper deploy.

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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