Incident Overview
During a supervised solo flight, a student pilot encountered a landing incident when the propeller struck the runway. The student reported closing the throttle over the threshold due to excessive speed, causing the aircraft to float for some distance as he brought the control column back. The nose then dropped, resulting in the propeller contacting the runway.
Response and Landing
The student initiated a go-around and subsequently landed the aircraft safely. The instructor, who observed the event, believed that a thermal caused the aircraft to float. The instructor noted that after touchdown (nose wheel first), the aircraft began to porpoise, and the student then executed the go-around.
Post-Flight Inspection
Following the flight, an examination revealed damage to the lower firewall. The student reported that the wind was variable at 8 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
Aircraft and Injuries
No specific aircraft type or registration was provided. No injuries were reported.