Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing resulting in a collision with a sign.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
At the initiation of the takeoff roll, following a touch-and-go landing, the student pilot added full power, but before she could rotate for takeoff, she had "… a hard time controlling the airplane on the ground." She aborted the takeoff, but was unable to keep the airplane from departing the side of the runway, where it impacted a distance remaining sign. An inspection of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies with the nose wheel steering or rudder systems.
Source record
Factual narrative
At the initiation of the takeoff roll, following a touch-and-go landing, the student pilot added full power, but before she could rotate for takeoff, she experienced "… a hard time controlling the airplane on the ground." She therefore aborted her takeoff, but was unable to keep the airplane from departing the side of the runway, where it impacted a distance remaining sign. As a result of the collision, one of the main landing gear separated. An inspection of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies with the nose wheel steering or rudder systems.