Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was on a solo cross-country flight and was landing at the destination airport. While on final approach, he was high, so he reduced power. Upon touchdown, the airplane bounced several times (airport security camera video showed the airplane bouncing on the runway with increasing severity). The pilot attempted to recover but lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane nosed over after traveling off the right side of the runway resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.