What happened
The private pilot and an instructor were conducting flight training focused on various types of takeoffs and landings. During one such maneuver, the aircraft touched down on the runway but subsequently veered to the right, causing it to depart the paved surface. As the airplane left the runway environment, the right wing dropped significantly, resulting in the propeller striking the ground.
The aircraft continued its path until it collided with a taxiway sign. The impact caused the right main landing gear to collapse. A post-accident examination of the airframe and systems revealed that the right main tire had blown prior to or during the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the condition of the landing gear components. The primary mechanical finding was the failure of the right main tire, which contributed to the loss of directional control and the subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear structure upon impact with the taxiway sign.