Incident Overview
A student pilot flying a solo cross-country flight reported that after completing a touch and go landing at an airport where the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lighting was not in service, the airplane experienced a bounced landing. The pilot continued the flight and later discovered damage to the aircraft upon returning to the home airport.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot's itinerary included three airports. Prior to the flight, a notice to airman (NOTAM) indicated that the PAPI at the second airport was not operational. The pilot performed touch and go landings and takeoffs at each airport. At the airport with the inoperative PAPI, the pilot was cleared for a touch and go. The student pilot described the landing as "flat" and recalled that the airplane bounced. Despite the bounce, the pilot completed the touch and go and departed for the final leg of the itinerary.
Discovery of Damage
Upon landing and shutting down the airplane at the home airport, the student pilot noticed bent propeller tips and immediately notified management. Subsequent inspection by the operator revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.