Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that the airplane landed hard, bounced, and began to porpoise. The student pilot stated that during the porpoise oscillation, the airplane landed on its nosewheel. Postaccident examination revealed that the engine firewall was bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that the airplane landed hard, bounced, and began to porpoise. The student pilot stated that during the porpoise oscillation the airplane landed on its nose wheel. Post accident examination revealed that the engine firewall was bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.