Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing technique which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land after his first solo flight. He thought his airspeed was high; the airplane landed hard and bounced three times, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The nose of the airplane and the left wing impacted the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing spar, firewall and engine mount sustained substantial damage. The chief flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that he was attempting to land after his first solo flight. He thought his airspeed was high; the airplane landed hard and bounced three times, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. The nose of the airplane and the left wing impacted the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing spar, firewall and engine mount sustained substantial damage. The chief flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.