Pilots

Due to the performance capability I was catching up to Aircraft Y on the climb. Since I was catching up with Aircraft Y I called on the radio to the aircraft that I was going to side step to the right to provide room and continue my climb beyond 2,300 feet before making my left crosswind departure. My left crosswind turn was initiated at 3,500 feet. I proceeded to head to my practice area and after I was done I came back to do three takeoffs and landings. The potential issue, which was brought to my attention, was that the Aircraft Y pilot felt that we had a “near miss.” As a pilot in command I operated the aircraft safely providing separation of 500 feet of more and communicating with the pilot on the radio with my location and intentions.

What I think happened is the one of the bolts that hold in the landing gear came loose and on takeoff came undone and took the rest of the landing gear with it. On preflight I did not see anything out of place, as well as on taxi and run-up.

My student was on his first solo flight while during his last landing he thought he was touch and go. I saw him touch down then raise the flaps, at that point I radioed to him full stop.

I believe this incident was caused by excessive control input, using my right leg on the rudder instead of just my toes. Too much right rudder (too long, too strong). I should have just used my toes and ankles on the rudder during the roll out.

Having no ability to go around and concerned I would run off the end of the runway, I landed, braked hard, and then received a gust of wind that lifted my right wing and I departed the runway on the left side, striking a taxiway sign and coming to rest just beyond the sign.