NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that the accident occurred during his initial solo flight. He stated that the takeoff and flight in the traffic pattern were without incident. However, during the first landing, the airplane bounced twice before settling onto the runway and he elected to return to the ramp area. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall, with additional damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. A left crosswind at 8 knots was reported about the time of the accident. He reported that there were no failures or malfunctions related to the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.