Primary finding
Probable cause
The solo student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that he landed hard during which the nose landing gear (NLG) tire “blew out”, and the NLG strut collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. The engine mount was substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.