What happened
Two days prior to the accident, tape was applied over each static port of the aircraft to prepare for a washing procedure. Following the wash, the tape was not removed. During the preflight inspection, the student pilot failed to observe or remove the tape covering the ports, despite a checklist requirement to verify that each static port is clear.
The flight was intended for performing touch-and-go landings. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the airspeed indicator began reading 0. The pilot reported lowering the landing gear using the normal method; however, the gear indicator lights circuit breaker tripped several times during the pattern. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying in the traffic pattern at near full power.
During the second approach, all gear indicator lights showed the gear was down and locked. Upon landing, the aircraft struck the ground with enough force to cause all three gears to collapse and the nose baggage door to open. The pilot involved had 3.6 hours of total solo time in the aircraft and fewer than 15 solo landings.
The investigation
Flight tests conducted during the investigation confirmed that the airspeed indicator would function normally from the takeoff roll until the aircraft reached approximately 400 feet above ground level, at which point the indicator would drop to 0. It was determined that the pilot did not activate the equipped alternate static source.