Accident Description
According to the student pilot, the flight proceeded normally until the landing phase. The aircraft was on the downwind leg for runway 17L as instructed by the control tower, with an airspeed of approximately 80 KIAS. After passing the aiming point, the pilot initiated a descent. The airplane was stabilized on final approach, but during the landing flare, the student pilot flared too late, resulting in a hard landing. Following the landing, the student pilot turned onto a taxiway to perform an after-landing checklist and discovered that the nose wheel tire was deflated.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the firewall and floorboard panels were wrinkled. The student pilot reported no preaccident anomalies or failures that would have prevented normal operation. No other damage or irregularities were noted during the examination.