Accident Sequence
During the first landing of a solo flight, a student pilot flared too high, resulting in a hard landing. The airplane then bounced down the runway in a porpoise before veering off the runway into brush. After entering the brush, the aircraft caught fire and was consumed in the post-impact fire.
Pilot Actions
The student pilot had flown with a certified flight instructor (CFI) for approximately 50 minutes before being signed off to complete the solo flight. While in the traffic pattern, the student attempted to avoid rain and shortened the downwind leg. After turning onto the base leg, the student realized the turn had been made too soon. The student decided to continue with the landing at a steeper than normal approach angle and a higher airspeed. The student reported misjudging the flare, leading to the hard landing and subsequent bounce.
Damage
Both main landing gear were sheared off during the accident sequence.