NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, as he flared for landing, the airplane "hit" the runway hard. He added that, the airplane porpoised about 7 or 8 times before settling on the runway. He then taxied the airplane to the parking ramp with no further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The chief flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.