Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to center the ground steering before landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the weight-shift aircraft reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings. When the aircraft touched down, it veered to the left because he did not have the ground steering centered before touchdown. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, the aircraft collided with an airport ramp sign. The weight-shift aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the weight-shift aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the weight-shift aircraft reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings. When the aircraft touched down, it veered to the left because he did not have the ground steering centered before touchdown. The pilot initiated a go-around, however the aircraft collided with an airport ramp sign. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.