Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting a solo cross-country flight experienced a hard landing sequence at the destination airport. The flight was uneventful until the traffic pattern for runway 13.
Landing Maneuver
The student pilot reported that she began the landing flare too high. After initiating the flare, the airplane collided with the runway, bounced, and then struck the runway again in a nose-down attitude. The aircraft subsequently porpoised down the runway.
Post-Incident Findings
No mechanical problems were reported by the student pilot during the flight or approach. An examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel assembly had collapsed and structural damage existed at the nose wheel attach point. The student pilot did not report any pre-existing issues with the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The student pilot began the landing flare too high, which led to a hard touchdown and porpoising.