Hard Landing During Student Pilot's First Solo Flight

Accident Description

A student pilot was conducting his first solo flight in a single-engine airplane. The accident occurred during his second landing. The pilot reported that the airplane was on a stabilized approach as it crossed over the runway threshold at 63 knots. He reduced engine power and initiated the landing flare while the airplane was abeam the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system. According to the pilot, the landing flare was "somewhat short," and the airplane landed hard on its main landing gear. He then reduced backpressure on the control yoke, causing the nose wheel to contact the runway. The airplane subsequently bounced several times, alternating between the nose and main landing gear, before stabilizing into a landing rollout.

Aftermath

An after-flight inspection revealed substantial deformation of the lower engine firewall and forward floorboards. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.