Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was on his second solo flight in the airport traffic pattern practicing takeoffs and landings. During his second touch-and-go attempt, as he was landing, the airplane bounced several times, resulting in substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.