Incident Overview
During an approach to a private airstrip, a student pilot touched down. After landing, the pilot decided that the available stopping distance was insufficient and elected to perform a go-around.
Sequence of Events
On the initial climb-out following the go-around, the aircraft struck an object. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw to the right and then to the left. The pilot never saw what the aircraft had hit.
After reaching cruise altitude, the pilot checked the flight controls, which appeared to be operating normally. Subsequently, the pilot continued the flight back to the original departure point.
Post-Flight Discovery
Upon landing at the departure point, damage to the aircraft was discovered. The pilot stated that he had believed the intended landing airstrip was 3,800 feet long. However, the airstrip is actually 2,000 feet long.