Accident Overview
A student pilot was returning to the airport after practicing maneuvers in the practice area. The pilot extended the downwind leg due to traffic in the pattern and entered final approach slightly higher than intended. During the landing, the pilot flared too high, slowed, and landed flat. This caused the airplane to porpoise. On the second touchdown, the nose gear contacted the runway first, and the pilot felt the damage occur at that moment.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then executed a go-around. A second approach was also too high, prompting another go-around. On the third approach, the pilot landed without difficulty. Throughout the event, the student did not report any mechanical issues with the airplane.
Damage
The porpoising event during landing resulted in bent firewall and engine mounts. No other damage was reported.