Incident Summary
A Piper PA-28-181, piloted by its student owner, experienced a runway excursion during landing when the airplane touched down approximately 30 feet short of the runway threshold. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed after striking the edge of the runway pavement.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the approach to the runway was routine. During the final leg, the flaps were fully extended and engine power was reduced to idle. The pilot initially observed four white lights on the precision approach path indicator (PAPI). Approximately half a mile from the runway threshold, the PAPI displayed two white and two red lights. The pilot perceived that the aircraft was "a bit low" but believed it would still reach the runway. However, the airplane touched down before the runway surface.
During the landing roll, the nose landing gear contacted the edge of the runway pavement and collapsed. The pilot later commented, "What I should have done when it appeared that I was low on [the] approach and getting lower was to add power."
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-181. The pilot was the student owner of the aircraft. No additional details about the pilot or aircraft were provided in the source.