Student Pilot's Hard Landing Results in Firewall Damage During Training Flight

Incident Details

A student pilot took off and maneuvered into the left traffic pattern. On final approach, the airplane was configured with 30 degrees of flaps and an approach speed of 70 knots. During the first landing, the flight instructor, who was observing, noted that the nose wheel contacted the runway surface before the main wheels. The airplane then porpoised three times. The student pilot initiated a go-around and subsequently landed without further incident.

Post-Flight Inspection

Following the hard landing, the flight instructor conducted a post-flight inspection of the engine and airframe. Substantial damage to the firewall was discovered. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.