Incident Details
A student pilot reported that during a short field landing, she flared a "little bit too high." She then pushed the yoke forward, causing the nose wheel to impact the ground first. Subsequently, the airplane porpoised and impacted a taxiway edge identifier light located on the edge of the runway. After applying "heavy" brakes, the student pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp area without further incident.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount as a result of the incident.
Mechanical Condition
According to the student pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
FAA Handbook on Porpoising
The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004). This handbook discusses porpoising and states in part: "In a bounced landing that is improperly recovered, the airplane comes in nose first setting off a series of motions that imitate the jumps and dives of a porpoise—hence the name. The problem is improper airplane attitude at touchdown, sometimes caused by inattention, not knowing where the ground is, mistrimming or forcing the airplane onto the runway." It further notes: "Ground effect decreases elevator control effectiveness and increases the effort required to raise the nose. Not enough elevator or stabilator trim can result in a nose low contact with the runway and a porpoise develops." Additionally, "Porpoising can also be caused by improper airspeed control. Usually, if an approach is too fast, the airplane floats and the pilot tries to force it on the runway when the airplane still wants to fly. A gust of wind, a bump in the runway, or even a slight tug on the control wheel will send the airplane aloft again." The corrective action for a porpoise is the same as for a bounce and similarly depends on its severity. When it is very slight and there is no extreme change in the airplane's pitch attitude, a follow-up landing may be executed by applying sufficient power to cushion the subsequent touchdown, and smoothly adjusting the pitch to the proper touchdown attitude.
Conclusion
The incident was solely reported by the student pilot. No official probable cause has been stated.