Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot made a normal approach to the runway in his single-engine airplane at an airspeed of approximately 70 miles per hour. During the landing flare, the stall horn sounded and the pilot released back pressure on the control wheel. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the runway and the nose gear collapsed. The airplane skidded across the runway before it came to a complete stop. The pilot was able to safely egress the airplane before it was consumed by postimpact fire.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot made a normal approach to the runway in his single-engine airplane at an airspeed of approximately 70 miles per hour. During the landing flare, the stall horn sounded and the pilot released back pressure on the control wheel. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the runway and the nose gear collapsed. The airplane skidded across the runway before it came to a complete stop. The pilot was able to safely egress the airplane before it was consumed by post-impact fire.