Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in the nosewheel collapsing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane "bounced" and that "out of instinct," he pushed the yoke down to try and "get the plane down," which resulted in the nosewheel collapsing and the propeller striking the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight. He reported that during landing, the airplane "bounced," and "out of instinct" he pushed the yoke down to try and "get the plane down" resulting in the collapse of the nosewheel and the propeller striking the runway.The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The operator reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.