Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged landing flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to practice landings. While maneuvering on a normal traffic pattern to the runway, he noted that the airplane was higher and faster than he was accustomed to. The pilot recalled that he flared too high resulting in the airplane landing hard. Following the touchdown, the airplane bounced and landed hard again. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
In a written statement, the student pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice landings. While maneuvering on a normal traffic pattern to the runway, he noted that the airplane was higher and faster than he was accustomed to. The pilot recalled that he flared too high resulting in the airplane landing hard. Following the touchdown, the airplane bounced and landed hard again. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident may have been prevented if he had his instructor fly with him again. The pilot further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.