Student Pilot Nosed Over After Hard Landing and Bounce During Solo Flight (N80104)

What happened

Following a period of dual instruction, the student pilot was authorized to conduct his second solo flight. During the landing phase, the pilot reported being established on final approach. Just prior to initiating the flare, the aircraft encountered a rapid sink rate. The airplane touched down hard and subsequently bounced. Upon the second touchdown near the edge of the runway, the aircraft rolled off the paved surface. It then collided with a ditch and nosed over.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing attempt. The pilot's account indicated that the loss of control was precipitated by the sudden descent rate immediately before flare initiation. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the impact.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident were the hard touchdown and the subsequent bounce, which led to the aircraft leaving the runway environment. The collision with the ditch resulted in the nose-over attitude of the aircraft.