Student Pilot Encounters Gust During Landing, Aircraft Substantially Damaged

Accident Details

A student pilot was conducting his second solo flight. During the landing flare, a gust of wind caused the airplane to balloon. Subsequently, the nose wheel contacted the runway twice, resulting in two bounces. After the second bounce, the student pilot applied full power and aborted the landing. The subsequent landing was uneventful, and he taxied the airplane to the ramp.

Damage

A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.