Hard Landing and Nose Gear Collapse During Touch-and-Go Practice

Accident Details

A solo student pilot was conducting a local flight in a light sport airplane to practice touch and go landings. During the second landing attempt, the airplane touched down hard on the runway and bounced. After a second bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around. As the pilot added power, the airplane descended nose first into the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Damage and Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident that would have precluded normal operation.