Accident Overview
The pilot, who had just completed a 5-hour dual instruction period in tailwheel aircraft and had no prior tailwheel airplane experience, was conducting touch-and-go pattern operations. During the eighth such approach, directional control was lost during the landing roll. The aircraft veered to the edge of the runway, and the pilot reported that he over-corrected somewhat.
Collision and Subsequent Maneuvers
As the pilot added power for takeoff, the horizontal stabilizer struck a runway sign, bending the stabilizer. After becoming airborne, the pilot felt that the aircraft was uncontrollable and elected to set it back down on the runway in a crab. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed.
Damage
The collision with the runway sign bent the horizontal stabilizer, and the landing gear collapsed during the final touchdown. No other damage was reported in the source.