Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot was practicing takeoff and landings. She reported that, on her fifth and final landing, the control tower advised her to spend minimal time on the runway due to a jet that was No. 2 to land behind her. She added that she rushed the landing and was too fast to level off during the flare. Subsequently, the nosewheel touched down first, and a porpoise ensued. Following the porpoise, she taxied off the runway without incident. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot was practicing takeoff and landings at the accident airport. On her fifth and final landing, she reported that the control tower advised her to spend minimal time on the runway due to a jet that was No. 2 to land behind her. She added that, she rushed the landing and was too fast to level off during the flare. Subsequently the nose wheel touched down first, and a porpoise ensued. Following the porpoise, she taxied off the runway without incident. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.