Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Stalls Aircraft During Low Approach (N2110D)

Chandler, AZ, US

On April 24, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2110D) operated by Chandler Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT INADVERTENTLY STALLING THE AIRCRAFT AND AN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO PERFORM A STALL RECOVERY. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE AND STUDENT'S ANXIETY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During her second solo flight, a student pilot had difficulty locating the airport and became concerned about fuel and traffic. She made a low approach, saw both VASI lights red, and stalled the aircraft. No engine anomaly was found.

Flight Details

A student pilot was on her second solo flight, intending to perform touch-and-go landings before departing south for air work. After completing the planned air work, she attempted to return to the airport but reported difficulty finding it, possibly overflying it.

Accident Narrative

Upon locating the airport, the pilot became concerned about the aircraft's fuel status and traffic around the airport. She stated she got low on her approach and noticed the engine 'did not sound right.' The pilot recounted: 'I know that I was too low because both VASI lights were red. That is when I must have pulled back on the controls and stalled the plane.'

Post-Accident Inspection

An airworthiness inspector from the Scottsdale (Arizona) Flight Standards District Office (FAA) examined the aircraft after the accident and could find no reason for the engine to have lost power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22955. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.