Incident Summary
A student pilot reported that during a landing attempt, a hard landing and subsequent bounces led to a propeller strike and structural damage to the aircraft. The pilot stated that on final approach, the flaps were set to 20 degrees and the aircraft was high on the approach path. Power was reduced to idle, and the nose was lowered to maintain airspeed. The aircraft descended to approximately 3 to 4 feet above the runway, but the pilot failed to execute a flare. The airplane touched down hard and bounced.
Sequence of Events
After the initial hard landing and bounce, the pilot applied power. The aircraft settled onto the runway but bounced again. Power was again reduced, and the airplane bounced a third time before making firm contact with the runway. Following the landing, the pilot taxied to the ramp and shut down the aircraft. Upon exiting, the pilot observed that the propeller had struck the runway. A more detailed inspection conducted the next day revealed that the cabin floor was buckled.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft prior to the incident. When asked about the cause, the pilot attributed the accident to "An improper flare resulting in the nose wheel colliding with the runway."
Damage
Inspection confirmed a propeller strike and a buckled cabin floor. No other damage details were provided in the source.