Accident Details
The accident involved a student pilot with 47 hours of flight experience who was conducting her first supervised solo flight. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction prior to the incident.
Flight Sequence
While on the downwind leg for Runway 16, the student pilot observed another aircraft ahead on the same leg. She elected to extend her downwind to increase spacing with the other aircraft in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that while on final approach, she noticed she was too high and the airspeed was excessive.
After initial touchdown, the airplane porpoised. The pilot compensated by pushing the nose forward, causing the airplane to land hard on the nose wheel. The nose strut impacted the runway with sufficient force to cause structural damage to the engine firewall.
Weather Conditions
The winds at the time of the accident were reported as variable at 4 knots.
Investigation
The investigation did not identify any mechanical anomalies. The pilot's actions during the approach and landing were central to the occurrence.