20060805016589I

(-23) During landing student pilot failed to maintain control. The aircraft veered off the runway which resulted in a prop strike and minor damage to the nose gear and cowling. Pilot statement: on 05 August 2006, I flew PA28-141 N1364T on a local solo to the beach practice area. I noted no discrepancies during the aircraft preflight and deemed the aircraft safe for flight. Start up, taxi, and run-up were normal with no problems noted. I took off from runway 18 at approximately 0845L and proceeded to the beach practice area. The aircraft performed superbly during the flight and I remained in the beach area for approximately 45 minutes and proceeded as FAR east as hurlburt field (hrt). After leaving the practice area, I proceeded as FAR east as hurlburt field (hrt). After leaving the practice area, I proceeded direct to Milton (2R4) and entered the pattern for a landing on runway 18. The wind was calm and visibility was excellent. The pattern was executed very well all the way to the final approach. I received a radio call from another aircraft stating they were going to depart from runway 36 after I landed, but this aircraft was not a factor in the incident. The approach to landing was excellent and I remember feeling very satisfied with the way I was flying and how the aircraft was performing. Over the numbers, I reduced power to idle and entered ground effect. At this point, I flared the aircraft and it porpoised and came down onto the runway on all three wheels and bounced back into the air. I estimate the aircraft gained approximately 6-10 feet in altitude. At this point, I should have input power and attempted a go-around. Instead, I attempted to reduce the flare and tried to bring the aircraft back down. This was a mistake and set into motion the incident. It is at this point that I believe I over-corrected and actually nosed the aircraft over. The aircraft impacted the runway violently and bounced back into the air and this was repeated approximately 2 to 3 more times, with each bounce gaining more altitude than the first. Though the landing gear was undoubtedly damaged at this point, I still had ample opportunity to correct the situation by adding power. On the last bounce, the aircraft left the runway, bounced on the infield, and impacted nose first. After coming to a brief rest, the aircraft fell back onto the landing gear. After determining there was no fire, I shut down all the aircraft systems and I egress the aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. I was met immediately by two gentleman with a fire extinguisher who offered assistance. I told them I was okay and they proceeded to the FBO to notify ams of the incident. This is a true and accurate statement to the best of my knowledge.