Student Pilot Was Conducting A Solo Flight When The Airplane Landed Hard, Bounced, And Then Struck Nose Wheel First

Location: Waco, Texas Accident Number: CEN24LA204
Date & Time: May 7, 2024, 17:17 UTC Registration: N502U
Aircraft: Tecnam P2010 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The student pilot was conducting a solo flight when the airplane landed hard, bounced, and then struck nose wheel first on the runway. The nose landing gear separated from the forward fuselage and the airplane veered left. The airplane then skidded off the left edge of the runway in a nose down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage structure and several engine tube mounts. The airplane operator reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. 

Based on a review of recorded data, the student pilot did not maintain adequate pitch control during his attempted recovery from the bounced landing, which resulted in a significant nosedown pitch attitude upon the second touchdown. 

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The student pilot’s inadequate landing flare that led to a bounced landing, and his improper pitch control while he attempted a recovery from the bounced landing which resulted in a significant nose-down pitch attitude upon the second touchdown.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov