NTSB Factual Report

On June 29, 2003, about 1820 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N4133Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a marsh about 2 miles north of Atlantic City Municipal Airport/Bader Field (AIY), Atlantic City, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Monmouth Executive Airport (BLM), Farmingdale, New Jersey, about 1800. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the positioning flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said that cause of the accident was "fairly evident." A rolled up, 20- by 60-foot billboard banner that he had tied with ropes to the outside of the airplane had come loose in flight and inflated. That created a large parachute effect, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude, even with full power. The airplane stalled prior to landing in the marsh.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.

The pilot reported a total of 897 flight hours, of which, 68 were in make and model.

The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine.

Weather reported at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Atlantic City, New Jersey, about 6 miles northwest, at 1554, was wind from 110 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, and clear skies. The temperature was 79 degrees F, and the dewpoint was 61 degrees F, with a barometric pressure setting of 30.10 inches HG.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to properly secure an aerial advertising banner to the outside of the airplane.