Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s non-stabilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the student pilot’s second solo landing of the day, he realized that the airplane was too high and fast; however, he elected to continue the approach. On touchdown the airplane landed nosewheel first, bounced back into the air, and then settled back to the runway. An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that the airplane’s firewall sustained substantial damage during the hard landing. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On the student pilot’s second solo landing of the day, he realized that the airplane was too high and fast; however, he elected to continue the approach. On touchdown the airplane landed nosewheel first, bounced back into the air, and then settled back to the runway. The student pilot was able to taxi the airplane to the ramp. An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed that the airplane’s firewall sustained substantial damage during the hard landing. The student pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.