Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that the airplane bounced while landing. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and hit the precision approach path indicator lights. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that while landing, the airplane bounced. The airplane then came back down and went off the left side of the runway and hit the precision approach path indicator lights (PAPI). The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.