Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare and failure to conduct a go-around, which resulted in a bounced landing and the nosewheel collapsing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that, while conducting her first solo flight, the airplane bounced on landing, and the stall horn sounded. The airplane bounced three more times before the nosewheel collapsed, and the left wing contacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to an engine mount and the left wing. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. She said the accident could have been prevented if she had executed a go-around.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot was conducting her first ever solo flight and bounced on landing and the stall horn sounded. The airplane bounced three more times before the nose wheel collapsed and the left wing contacted the ground resulting in substantial damage to an engine mount and the left wing. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine prior to the accident. She said the accident could have been prevented if she had executed a go-around.