What happened
On May 30, 2025, a student pilot was conducting PPL(A) training at EPPO airport in a Tecnam 2008JC, registration SP-SMG. Following several supervised training flights, the student was cleared to perform solo circuit patterns. During the session, increased air traffic and the presence of wildlife on the runway caused several interruptions, forcing the student to reposition to the northern holding area.
During a subsequent solo flight, the student agreed to a controller's request to perform a short approach due to approaching commercial traffic. This resulted in a steeper and shorter approach than previous patterns. The student reported feeling time pressure to land quickly. The aircraft touched down on the runway at a speed exceeding the minimum required velocity, without a proper flare or leveling phase.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced several times. The student attempted to use manual control inputs to force the aircraft to remain on the runway during these bounces. During the third bounce, the aircraft pitched forward, causing the nose gear to collapse. The propeller struck the runway surface, and the aircraft veering right before coming to a stop on the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the student's decision-making process, and the instructor's oversight. The analysis focused on the flight dynamics during the unstable approach and the physical forces applied to the landing gear during the subsequent bounces.