Accident Overview
A pilot was practicing full stop landings when, on the fifth landing, the airplane collided with a runway marker sign and subsequently veered off the runway into a ditch.
Sequence of Events
The pilot flew a left-hand pattern for the runway and performed a slip on final approach. During this maneuver, he realized the airplane was too low and short of the runway. He added power and believed he would be able to complete the landing on the runway. However, during the landing flare, the right main landing gear collided with a runway marker sign. As the airplane settled onto the runway, it veered to the right side and collided with a ditch.
The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination by an FAA inspector revealed that the right main landing gear had separated from the fuselage. Further examination showed that the airplane's firewall and fuselage were buckled.