Primary finding
Probable cause
The solo student pilot’s unstable approach to the runway, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was conducting her initial solo flight. During her turn to final, she realized the airplane was high and attempted to correct by adjusting pitch and engine power. The airplane bounced on initial touchdown, and then porpoised on the runway. After the multiple touchdowns, the student pilot was able to slow the airplane on the runway and taxi to the ramp. During the landing, the tail struck the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. The operator reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions of failures that would have precluded normal operation.