Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flare which resulted in a bounced, hard landing and loss of control in a gusting crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, he was landing the airplane with a gusting right crosswind. Upon landing, the airplane bounced and landed hard. The nose wheel and propeller impacted the ground. The engine truss was substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccidentt mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.