NTSB Factual Report

The Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector reported that, during a preflight inspection, the student pilot and designated pilot examiner observed propeller damage during their preflight inspection. Subsequently, a further inspection by maintenance personnel revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The airplane was flown by numerous renter pilots prior to the damage being found, and none of them claimed responsibility for the damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

A hard landing and propeller strike for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.