Accident Description
A student pilot conducted an approach to runway 32 at Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) in Mobile, Alabama. During the landing flare, the airplane ballooned, and the pilot allowed it to sink. A second flare was attempted, during which the stall warning horn sounded momentarily. The pilot then eased the elevator slightly forward, and the airplane landed hard, with more weight on the right main wheel than the left.
Pilot Account
After the airplane slowed, the pilot pulled back on the yoke to further reduce speed. At that point, the pilot noted roughness in the flight controls. The pilot taxied the airplane to the downtown air center and parked it. According to the student pilot, there were no issues with the flight controls or the airplane during the pre-flight inspection.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the flight control surfaces remained intact. However, the center section of the airframe and the firewall were buckled. The propeller was found bent aft.