Tecnam P2010 N502U accident near Waco, Texas

Probable cause

The student pilot’s inadequate landing flare that led to a bounced landing, and his improper pitch control while he attempted a recovery from the bounced landing which resulted in a significant nose-down pitch attitude upon the second touchdown.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was conducting a solo flight when the airplane landed hard, bounced, and then struck nose wheel first on the runway. The nose landing gear separated from the forward fuselage and the airplane veered left. The airplane then skidded off the left edge of the runway in a nose down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage structure and several engine tube mounts. The airplane operator reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on a review of recorded data, the student pilot did not maintain adequate pitch control during his attempted recovery from the bounced landing, which resulted in a significant nose-down pitch attitude upon the second touchdown.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA204 for the full record.