Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had an uneventful departure on his first solo flight to remain in the traffic pattern. Shortly after, the pilot reported that he was having problems with the radio and communications with the tower controller. The pilot decided to land with a full stop to have the radio repaired. On the first landing attempt the airplane bounced and the pilot initiated a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane floated down the runway and suddenly lost lift and bounced again. The pilot aborted the landing and applied power. The airplane subsequently veered left into the grass field between the runways and nosed over after colliding with a berm which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported a light tailwind. The pilot further reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot had an uneventful departure on his first solo flight to remain in the traffic pattern. Shortly after, the pilot reported that he was having problems with the radio and communications with the tower controller. The pilot decided to land with a full stop to have the radio repaired. On the first landing attempt the airplane bounced and the pilot initiated a go-around. On the second landing attempt, the airplane floated down the runway and suddenly lost lift and bounced again. The pilot aborted the landing and applied power. The airplane subsequently veered left into the grass field between the runways and nosed over after colliding with a berm which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported a light tailwind. The pilot further reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.