The solo student pilot reported that, during the first approach to land, the airspeed was about 10 kts. fast. He added that, during the flare he attempted to correct the airspeed by "pitching back," but the airplane bounced hard and then porpoised on the runway. He further added that, he initiated a go-around and subsequently completed a normal landing after two additional go-arounds. The right elevator, fuselage, and firewall sustained substantial damage.

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