N66162

On April 2, 1999, about 0856 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172P, N66162, was substantially damaged while landing at the Lawrence Municipal Airport, Lawrence, Massachusetts. The certificated student pilot (SP) was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the CFI, after a dual flight lesson, which included touch and go landings, balked landings, and go-arounds, he felt the SP was ready for his first solo flight. The SP stated his intent was to perform a touch and go landing, and then a landing to a full stop.

The CFI observed the flight from the ground. He stated the airplane entered the traffic pattern for runway 5, and the SP's approach seemed very standard and normal. He further stated:

"...the flare and round out seemed a little flat. The nose wheel of the aircraft made contact with the runway, this caused the aircraft to porpoise back up into the air. The oscillations got worse and worse until finally the propeller made contact with the runway. I estimate about three bounces before the [propeller] struck the runway."

The airplane came to rest on the runway.

The SP stated he believed he landed a "little too fast," which caused the airplane to balloon, and bounce.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA Inspector did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. The airplane's nose gear had been driven up into the fuselage, damaging the firewall.

The SP reported 35 hours of total flight experience, of which, 24 hours were in the past 90 days.