WPR14CA379

Factual narrative

The student pilot completed three takeoffs and landing with the certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, then took off for his first solo flight in the pattern. During the first landing, the airplane bounced twice and on the third touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane slid to a stop. The student pilot was not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. There were no reports of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot completed three takeoffs and landing with the certified flight instructor (CFI) on board, then took off for his first solo flight in the pattern. During the first landing, the airplane bounced twice and on the third touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane slid to a stop.  The student pilot was not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. There were no reports of 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-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Student/instructed pilot - C