Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the student pilot, this flight was her first solo flight and she successfully completed three solo landings. During the landing flare of the last approach, she stated that she became concerned with the airplane's speed and distance from the ground. The airplane impacted the ground “hard” and bounced. The student pilot released back pressure on the yoke and the airplane impacted the ground and bounced a second time. She stated that she pulled the throttle to near the idle position and the airplane hit the ground a third time and came to rest on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the student pilot, this flight was her first solo flight and she successfully completed three solo landings. During the landing flare of the last approach, she stated that she became concerned with the airplane's speed and distance from the ground. The airplane impacted the ground “hard” and bounced. The student pilot released back pressure on the yoke and the airplane impacted the ground and bounced a second time. She stated that she pulled the throttle to near the idle position and the airplane hit the ground a third time and came to rest on the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.