Solo Student Pilot Was Landing The Light-Sport Airplane On The Runway When It Bounced Multiple Times

Location: Lake Elmo, Minnesota Accident Number: CEN24LA149
Date & Time: April 5, 2024, 14:54 Local Registration: N245EM
Aircraft: Van's Aircraft RV-12iS Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The solo student pilot was landing the light-sport airplane on the runway when it bounced multiple times. The nose gear collapsed, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest upright on the runway in a nose-down attitude. The student pilot was able to exit the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The student pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot further reported that the accident could have been prevented by initiating a go-around after the first bounce but concluded that his reason for not initiating a go-around, was due to his lack of experience.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the nose gear collapsing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s lack of experience.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov