Accident Overview
A student pilot was landing a training airplane when the approach ended with a hard touchdown and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear. According to the student pilot, the flare was executed too high, causing the airplane to sink rapidly and contact the runway with excessive force. The airplane then bounced several times before the nose gear failed.
Damage Assessment
Post-accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the engine mount. The aircraft was not flown again after the incident.
Mechanical Status
A representative from the flight school's safety department stated that no preexisting mechanical failures or malfunctions were found that would have prevented normal operation. The airplane was reportedly in proper working order prior to the accident.
Weather and Runway Information
Automated weather observations around the time of the accident indicated wind from 100 degrees at 8 knots. The student pilot was landing on runway 18.