Incident Overview
A training flight resulted in a sign strike during a go-around procedure. The student pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the right of the runway centerline during the approach. The flight instructor reminded the student to remain on the centerline, but the drift continued as the airplane flared for landing.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane flared, the student applied full right rudder. In response, the airplane yawed and banked to the left. The instructor then initiated a go-around. However, during the go-around, the right main landing gear struck a taxiway sign. The instructor continued the go-around and subsequently landed without further incident.
Damage Assessment
Post-incident inspection revealed substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. No preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane were reported that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing Factors
According to the flight school manager, the incident occurred during a training flight and involved a student pilot's difficulty maintaining runway centerline alignment and improper rudder application.