WPR11CA473

Factual narrative

The student pilot submitted a written statement. After departing to a nearby airport for solo landing practice, she determined the appropriate landing direction to maintain consistency with the other traffic at the airport. While on final, the airplane was slow and the student added power while reducing the pitch. When the airplane reached the runway, it was higher than normal, she reduced the power to idle, and the airplane bounced three times. During the bounces, the propeller impacted the runway. Post accident examination revealed several bent longerons and deformation of the firewall. The student reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the student pilot, while on final approach, the airplane was slow, and she added power while reducing the pitch. When the airplane reached the runway, it was higher than normal, so she reduced the power to idle. The airplane bounced upon touchdown. During the third bounce, the propeller impacted the runway. A postaccident examination revealed several bent longerons and deformation of the firewall. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student pilot - C