The solo student pilot reported that while on final approach following a cross country flight, he experienced what felt like a down draft or wind shear. The airplane touched down hard on the runway, bounced, and on the second touchdown, the nose wheel impacted the surface first. The student pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp without further incident.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport, revealed that, about 5 minutes before the accident the wind was 040° at 5 knots. The airplane landed on runway 30.