WPR13CA130

Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that he reduced engine power while on final approach, and the airplane developed a higher sink rate than expected. The airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced 3 to 4 times, breaking the nose landing gear, and substantially damaging the firewall. The student pilot reported that he did not attempt to correct the situation or to go-around and, that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported that he reduced engine power while on final approach and that the airplane developed a higher sink rate than expected. The airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced three to four times, collapsing the nose landing gear and substantially damaging the firewall. The student pilot stated that he did not attempt to go around. The pilot reported no 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-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Student pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C