The CFI reported that he and the private pilot had returned to the airport in Chandler, Ariz., to practice touch-and-go landings. On the third touch-and-go landing, the Aviat S 2C drifted to the right side of the runway just before touching down.
The CFI subsequently took the controls and executed a go-around. During the go-around, he felt a slight buffet and, while returning to the airport, he noticed some damage to the lower right wingtip.
During a post-accident examinations, a 12-inch-long section of the outboard aft spar was found separated from the wing. The outboard end of the aileron to the outboard hinge was bent and distorted rearward from its original position.
Examination of the runway revealed damage to a runway identifier sign. It is likely that the airplane hit the sign when it drifted to the right side of the runway during the third touch-and-go landing.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing, which resulted in impact with a runway identifier sign, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action to take the controls and initiate a go-around.
NTSB Identification: WPR14LA065
This December 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Right on John W. I started out in tail draggers aka Champ (owned) and Cubs, too. You never let the craft drift off center line. It’s all about discipline flying/ground control. I have had dust devils catch me by surprise too, but either went around early enough or fought like hell to keep it straight with the world.
Another one bites the dust, because a CFI, is either incompetent or asleep at the controls. Never allow any AC, especially a TDRAGGER to drift.