On August 16, 1995, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N381AV) was involved in an aviation accident near Champaign, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go maneuver, the pilot lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike a runway sign. Unaware of the impact, the pilot continued the takeoff before discovering the damage and returning for an uneventful landing.
What happened
The incident occurred during the takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing operation. While attempting to accelerate down the runway, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. As a result, the airplane veered off the left side of the paved surface and made contact with a runway sign using its left wing.
Despite the collision, the pilot remained unaware that the sign had been struck. The takeoff continued as normal until the aircraft became airborne. Once in the air, the pilot noticed visible damage to the left wing. Recognizing the issue, the pilot decided to return to the airport. The subsequent landing was completed without further incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a sign.