Incident Overview
A student pilot with 170 hours of flight experience was conducting closed traffic pattern practice take-off and landing procedures. According to the NTSB Form 6120.1 submitted by the pilot, he had successfully completed eight touch-and-go landings without incident prior to the accident landing. The ninth landing was intended to be a full-stop landing.
Landing Sequence
During the final approach, the pilot flared and attempted to keep the airplane off the runway to reduce airspeed. He subsequently reduced power too quickly, causing the airplane to touch down hard and bounce. The pilot then forced the nose forward, resulting in a hard touchdown on the nose gear. The aircraft slid to a stop and remained on the runway.
Damage Assessment
The nose gear collapsed, and both propeller blades struck the runway, causing substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and was able to egress unassisted.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at the airport approximately 10 minutes prior to the landing indicated wind from 270 degrees at 16 knots, temperature 22°C, and dew point 18°C.