Incident Overview
A student pilot practicing in the local area returned to Carlsbad Palomar Airport. While in the traffic pattern, the airport runway was closed due to a disabled aircraft. The pilot then diverted to Fallbrook to await the reopening of the Carlsbad runway. Upon landing at Fallbrook, the aircraft touched down hard, porpoised, and broke off the nose gear strut, which also damaged the engine firewall.
Background
The operator stated that the pilot had been endorsed for solo flights to Fallbrook Airport and had previously landed there. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or the student pilot's experience were provided in the report.
Damage Assessment
The hard landing resulted in the separation of the nose gear strut and damage to the engine firewall. The extent of other possible damage was not specified in the source.
Investigation
The incident was documented based on statements from the operator and the pilot. The official report did not include any analysis or assignment of probable cause.