In a devastating incident that unfolded in Hollywood, Florida, on Wednesday, a pilot lost his life when the banner tow plane he was operating crashed. Disturbing video footage captured the Piper Pawnee flying at a slow pace and low altitude, still in the midst of towing a sizable banner over the city. The aircraft's gradual descent became apparent as it struggled to maintain altitude, eventually culminating in a wing drop and a swift dive towards the ground at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The ill-fated flight originated from North Perry Airport and was en route to a nearby beach when the pilot contacted air traffic control to report power complications. According to reports, the pilot's distressing words, "Yeah, I'm gonna have to drop this banner. I'm not climbing," conveyed the urgency of the situation. Tragically, the plane crashed onto a street upon losing control, instantly igniting into flames. While onlookers made valiant efforts to rescue the pilot, the intensity of the fire rendered their attempts futile. At present, the pilot's identity remains undisclosed.
The aircraft involved in the incident belonged to Aerial Banners Inc., a prominent entity in the industry. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated measures to dispatch an investigative team to the crash site, aiming to uncover the cause behind this heartbreaking accident.