Student Pilot Reports Hard Landing and Nose-Over During Final Approach

Incident Overview

A student pilot reported that while on final approach for landing, the airplane began to sink when it was about 20 feet above ground level and approximately 15 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airplane touched down hard off the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

After the hard touchdown, the nose wheel dug into the terrain. The airplane subsequently nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.