N6622G

On June 27, 2016, about 2100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna model 150L single-engine airplane, N6622G, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Detroit, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. An individual on the ground was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Drake Aerial Enterprises, LLC, and operated by Air America Aerial Ads, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the banner-tow flight that departed from Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport (DET), Detroit, Michigan, about 1748.The pilot reported that after takeoff he initially remained in the airport traffic pattern while he retrieved the banner to be towed. After retrieving the banner he proceeded to orbit the Detroit River until 2053 when he decided to return to the airport. While en route to the airport, about 2057, the engine began to run roughly. The pilot reported that he enriched the fuel mixture and turned on the auxiliary fuel pump following the loss of engine power. The engine ran for a few additional seconds before it experienced a total loss of power. The pilot informed the tower controller of his emergency, released the banner, and completed a forced landing to a nearby street. The airplane collided with a power line during the forced landing. An individual, who had been retrieving items from her parked vehicle, was seriously injured when she came in contact with the severed live power line and subsequently died, on July 6, 2016, while being treated at a local hospital.

The accident airplane was powered by a 180 horsepower Lycoming O-360-A4A engine, serial number RL-20646-36A. The engine had been installed in conformance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA4795SW. The airplane was also equipped with extended-range fuel tanks, installed in conformance with STC No. SA5733SW, that increased the fuel capacity to 40 gallons (37.2 gallons usable). The pilot reported that the airplane had a full fuel load when it departed on the accident flight.

According to the operator, a typical banner-tow flight in the Cessna 150 had an expected fuel consumption rate of 9.5-10.5 gallons per hour. Additionally, to avoid fuel exhaustion situations, it was company policy that all banner-tow flights in the Cessna 150 be limited to 3 hours or less. However, the operator also noted that environmental considerations, such as operating at a high density altitude and/or in windy conditions, could require a higher-than-normal engine power setting and increased fuel consumption. Further, the operator told their pilots that banner-tow flights should be reduced to between 2 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes in those conditions that required increased fuel consumption. According to the operator, the accident pilot had received a verbal briefing, within a month of the accident, that covered the company's policy regarding the maximum allowable flight duration in the Cessna 150 airplane while towing banners.

According to the pilot's statement, the accident flight was at least 3 hours 9 minutes in duration. Additionally, the pilot reported that a higher-than-normal engine power setting had been used to maintain altitude throughout the accident flight. Further, when interviewed, the pilot acknowledged knowing the company's policy that limited banner-tow flights in the Cessna 150 to 3 hours or less.

A postaccident examination was completed by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector before the wreckage was recovered from the accident site. The FAA examination of the fuel system established that the left fuel tank was empty, the right fuel tank contained residual fuel, and the gascolator contained a few ounces of fuel. A subsequent test run established that there were no anomalies with the engine that would have precluded its normal operation.

Federal regulation 14 CFR Part 91.151 stipulates that no person may begin a flight in an airplane, in day visual meteorological conditions, unless (after considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to reach the intended destination, plus 30 minutes while at a normal cruising speed.

In response to the accident, in order to enhance the safety of future banner-tow operations and to ensure future compliance with regulation 91.151, the operator updated their company policy to limit banner-tow flights in the Cessna 150 airplane to 2 hours 45 minutes or less. Additionally, the operator agreed to install cockpit placards, in each Cessna 150 airplane used for banner-tow operations, which will reinforce the updated company policy limiting banner-tow flights to 2 hour 45 minutes or less. Finally, the operator committed to install fuel flow/totalizers in all of their banner-tow airplanes and provide training on their proper use.