Background
The student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight with a planned refueling stop in Jacksonville. The pilot reported that the departure runway surface at the origin airport was rough and uneven.
Landing Incident
Upon arrival in the Jacksonville area, the pilot received clearance for an approach and landing on runway 07. During the first landing, the pilot heard a cracking or popping sound but described the touchdown as normal. The pilot elected to execute a go-around for another approach. After being cleared for another landing on runway 07, as the airplane touched down on the runway surface, it veered to the right. The airplane then rotated 180 degrees in the center of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose gear attach point had failed. Visual examination of the fracture surface showed typical overload deformation. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to this occurrence. Additionally, during the wreckage examination, a small amount of corrosion was discovered on the nose gear attach point.