NTSB Factual Report

On June 22, 2007, at 1236 eastern daylight time, an American Champion 8GCBC, N139SG, was substantially damaged while maneuvering, at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando, Florida. The certificated airline transport pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local banner-towing flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to a witness, who was also a certificated pilot, the airplane made a low pass from east to west over the airport, "as if attempting to pick up a banner." The witness stated the airplane did not pick up the banner, and subsequently pulled up at a high angle of attack, approximately 60 degrees nose up, and banked "hard" approximately 60 degrees to the left.

Another witness reported that the airplane "swooped" down to pick up a banner, but "missed." The airplane then "climbed into the air at an excessive pitch," and rolled to the left before impacting the ground, about 1/2-mile south of runway 9R.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane following the accident. During the examination he confirmed the continuity of the flight controls, and continuity of the banner towing system. Additionally, he noted that there was fuel in the carburetor and the propeller blades displayed evidence of rotation.

A replacement propeller was secured to the engine, and it was test run to approximately 2,200 rpm with no anomalies noted.

Examination of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed the most recent annual inspection was completed on April 12, 2007, with no anomalies noted. At the time of the inspection, the airplane had accumulated 146 hours of total time, and the annual inspection entry was the last entry in the logbook.

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for multiengine land, and a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He also held certificates as a certified flight instructor, airframe and powerplant mechanic, and air traffic controller. The pilot's most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on July 5, 2006. At that time he reported 5,900 total hours of flight experience.

Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed entries from October 26, 2005 to June 15, 2007. During that time period, the pilot logged 548 hours of total flight experience, 21 of which was in the accident airplane. In the previous 90 days, the pilot logged 50 hours of total flight experience, 18 of which was in the accident airplane.

An autopsy was performed on the pilot on June 25, 2007, by the Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office. The autopsy report indicated the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries.

The FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. The results of the tests were negative for drugs or alcohol.

The weather reported at 1247, included: winds from 020 degrees at 8 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 3,600 feet, scattered clouds at 4,800 feet, temperature 31 degrees Celsius (C), dew point 21 degrees C, and altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his excessive pitch attitude while maneuvering.