According to the flight instructor who observed the student pilot's first solo flight from the ground, the airplane landed hard and porpoised due to the student pilots improper flare.

A post-accident examination showed the airplane had received substantial damage to the aileron and elevator systems, as well as the firewall of the airplane.

The flight instructor reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.