What happened
On March 6, 2016, a solo student pilot was operating a Cessna 172, registration N6023V, during landing at Scottsdale, Arizona. Following touchdown, the aircraft bounced, causing it to veer to the left of the runway. The aircraft subsequently came to a stop in a gravel area.
There were no injuries resulting from the event. Weather conditions at the time were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 140 degrees at 7 knots.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed that the firewall sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions involving the engine or airframe prior to the impact that would have prevented normal operation.