Pilot Fatally Injured In Departure Accident

A pilot working for a banner towing operation in Jacksonville, FL, was fatally injured Saturday when the Piper Pawnee he was flying went down in a shopping center parking lot near Jacksonville Executive Airport at Craig Field Saturday.

The pilot, identified as 32-year-old William Eubanks, reportedly died on impact when the plane went down.

The Florida Times-Union reports that Eubanks, who was flying for the aerial advertising firm Beach Banners, had just picked up a banner and was attempting to gain altitude when he lost control of the aircraft. Witnesses said it appeared he was having a difficult time gaining altitude, and dropped the banner shortly after picking it up. They said it appeared he was trying avoid hitting a gas station, and narrowly avoided hitting a fireworks stand set up in the strip center parking lot immediately across the street from the airport. The airplane struck a truck parked in the lot who's owner was in the fireworks tent.

The plane was owned by Flying Weaners, Inc. That company's owner, Joel Weaner, also owns Beach Banners. The wreckage was removed to a secure location for analysis. The aircraft sustained heavy damage to its nose, and the prop separated after impact.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov