Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent takeoff roll, directional control was not maintained, and the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.