Incident Overview
A solo student pilot was practicing landings when the incident occurred. The pilot reported that, due to perceived gusty wind conditions, he increased his approach speed. While crossing the runway threshold, he reduced throttle and felt the airplane enter ground effect. The first touchdown was hard, resulting in a bounce. The airplane then landed hard a second time.
Response and Outcome
Following the second hard landing, the student pilot applied full power and turned off carburetor heat. The airplane subsequently landed hard a third time, during which the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest in the grass adjacent to the runway.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Mechanical Condition
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Automated weather observations from the airport indicated that about 37 minutes before the incident, the wind was from 230° at 7 knots. About 24 minutes after the incident, the wind was reported from 260° at 7 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 24.