ATL98LA098

Factual narrative

On July 17, 1998, at 1540 central daylight time a Cessna 150M, N704YG, owned/operated by Walker Aviation Services, collided between two trees after landing at Ruckel Airstrip in Niceville, Florida. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local banner towing flight. The pilot and sole occupant received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the private airstrip at 1415 central daylight time. According to the pilot, after an uneventful banner towing flight and return to Ruckel Airstrip, he turned final approach, released the banner in tow, reduced power on the aircraft, full flaps were implemented and the airspeed was decreased to 60 KIAS. According to the pilot, a tailwind decreased the lift of the aircraft causing firm impact with the ground, high ground speed and "hydroplaning" on the wet grass surface. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with two trees located at the south end of the airstrip. According to the pilot, after an uneventful banner towing flight, he turned final approach, released the banner in tow, reduced power on the aircraft, full flaps were implemented and the airspeed was decreased to 60 KIAS. He said a tailwind decreased the lift of the aircraft causing firm impact with the ground, high ground speed and 'hydroplaning' on the wet grass surface. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided with two trees located at the south end of the airstrip. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12