Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a local training flight in a closed traffic pattern. Before departure, the wind was reported from 080 to 090 degrees at 8 to 9 knots. After takeoff, the student performed three touch-and-go landings. Initially, the student used 30 degrees of flaps for landing. However, due to varying crosswind conditions that seemed gusty and shifting, the student changed to 20 degrees of flaps, which provided more control.
Wind Conditions and Tower Reports
While on the downwind leg for each landing, the tower controller reported that the wind was variable from 110 to 150 degrees.
The Fourth Approach
On the fourth landing approach, the aircraft encountered turbulence at approximately 50 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft dropped 25 to 30 feet. The student added power and maintained control until flaring for landing. During the flare, the aircraft encountered a gust and ballooned, then landed hard and bounced. The student recovered and continued the landing.
Post-Impact Sequence
After touchdown, when the nose was lowered, it continued to settle. The propeller and right wing subsequently struck the ground.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and right wing. The extent of other damage is not specified. The student pilot was not reported injured.
(Note: No aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, or time of day are provided in the source.)