Accident Summary
A student pilot experienced a hard landing that resulted in the collapse of the nose gear. The pilot reported that the approach speed was 65 knots. Approximately 20 feet above the runway, power was reduced to idle. The aircraft then "settled fast" and bounced upon touchdown. The pilot attempted to recover but became "rigid on the control wheel position." The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by executing a go-around.
Witness Account
A witness observed the landing sequence. According to the witness, the airplane touched down and bounced to an altitude of about 10 feet. The aircraft then pitched nose-down and struck the runway on the nose, bouncing again to approximately 5 feet. A second nose-down pitch occurred, and the aircraft hit the pavement. On this contact, the nose gear detached. The aircraft skidded on its nose for roughly 50 feet before coming to rest.
Damage
The nose gear collapsed and broke off from the aircraft during the sequence of bounces and impacts.