Incident Description
A solo student pilot reported that during landing, the airplane slowed and the stall warning sounded as the main landing gear contacted the runway. He added that it appeared the airplane had landed, but he then observed the nose drop below the horizon. He added power to go around, but the nose wheel impacted the runway and the airplane pitched "rearward." Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, the nose landing gear strut collapsed, and he aborted the go-around. The student taxied the airplane to park without further incident.
Witness Account
The flight instructor reported that he witnessed the airplane on approach was a little flat but did not appear to be unstable. The student then pitched the airplane for the numbers, the airplane floated down the runway, and touched down in a flat attitude. Subsequently, the airplane bounced 2 to 3 feet in the air, porpoised, and the student was then able to taxi from the runway. The flight instructor added that the student was too late on his flare and all of the energy came down on the nose wheel.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 7 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 27.
Mechanical Status
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.