Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that he did not flare the airplane properly, which resulted in the airplane touching down hard on the nose landing gear, and bouncing back into the air. He performed a go-around and landed successfully. Another pilot subsequently flew the airplane and returned it early due to a different sound in engine noise. Examination of the airplane by the other pilot revealed one propeller blade tip was bent. Further examination by company maintenance personnel revealed the engine firewall was buckled.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot stated he did not flare the airplane properly, which resulted in a hard landing. The nose landing gear collided with the runway; he then made a go-around and landed uneventfully. Another pilot subsequently flew the airplane and returned it early due to a "different sound in engine noise." Examination of the airplane by the other pilot revealed one propeller blade tip was bent. Further examination by company maintenance personnel revealed the engine firewall was buckled.