Incident Overview
An instructional flight involving a student pilot and a flight instructor was conducted for touch-and-go landing practice within the traffic pattern. During the third approach, just before the landing flare, the airplane began to drift toward the right side of the runway. The flight instructor observed that the student was cross-controlling, with the nose of the airplane pointing to the right.
Pilot Actions
The flight instructor took control of the airplane and initiated a go-around. He reported that the student pilot did not immediately remove his feet from the rudder pedals, which made the instructor's control inputs less effective. While still airborne, the airplane struck a runway sign. The instructor continued the go-around and subsequently landed without further incident.
Damage and Investigation
After landing, the flight instructor reported that the flight controls were free and correct and that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. A subsequent examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing.