Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following six takeoffs and landings, the flight instructor exited the airplane to allow the student pilot to attempt her first solo flight. During the first solo landing, the airplane landed hard, experienced a bounced landing, and upon recovery the airplane impacted nose-low, deflating the nosewheel, damaging a propeller tip, and resulting in structural damage to the airplane's firewall. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the student pilot was able to exit unassisted. There were no reported anomalies with the airplane's flight controls.
Source record
Factual narrative
Following six takeoffs and landings, the flight instructor exited the airplane to allow the student pilot to attempt her first solo flight. During the first solo landing, the student pilot improperly recovered from a bounced landing, resulting in structural damage to the airplane's firewall. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the student pilot was able to exit unassisted. There were no reported anomalies with the airplane's flight controls.