Flight Details
A student pilot was conducting a solo flight in an airplane. During the final approach, the pilot reported that the airplane was low on the approach path. To maintain altitude, the pilot applied power. After crossing the runway threshold, the pilot reduced the power to idle and lowered the nose to maintain airspeed.
Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated a flare prior to touchdown. However, the airplane landed hard in a nose-low attitude. Following the hard landing, the airplane began to porpoise. During the porpoising, the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently skidded off the side of the runway.
Pilot Information
The student pilot had approximately 14 hours of solo flying experience at the time of the incident. The pilot was endorsed for solo flight.