Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting a solo flight reported a hard landing that resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. According to the pilot's statement, the approach to the runway was high and fast. During the flare, the pilot felt the airplane begin to climb, prompting a forward yoke input. The airplane then struck the runway hard, leading to an immediate aft yoke pull. When the pilot again applied forward yoke, the nose gear impacted the runway and subsequently collapsed.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot reported a total flight time of 21.3 hours, with 1.5 hours as pilot-in-command at the time of the incident. The solo flight was part of the pilot's training progression.
Sequence of Events
On final approach, the student pilot perceived the airplane to be above the desired glidepath and faster than normal. Upon initiating the flare, the airplane began to climb rather than settle, so the pilot pushed the yoke forward to correct. This resulted in a hard touchdown. Reacting to the impact, the pilot pulled back on the yoke. A subsequent forward yoke input caused the nose gear to strike the runway with sufficient force to collapse.
The accident investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or whether any injuries occurred. The focus remained on the pilot's account of the landing technique and the mechanical failure of the nose gear.