No fatalities

Student Pilot's First Solo Flight Ends with Nose Gear Collapse Following Bounce and Stall

Shirley, NY, United States

On July 27, 2010, a CESSNA 152 operated by MID ISLAND AIRSERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Shirley, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a student pilot's first solo flight, the airplane bounced on landing, stalled, and then touched down again, collapsing the nose landing gear and striking the propeller, causing substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was conducting her first solo flight in an airplane of a make and model she had flown exclusively during her approximately 56 hours of total flight experience. The accident occurred as she approached runway 33 for a third landing, maintaining an airspeed of 60 knots.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot reported that she was focused on positioning the nose correctly during the approach. Upon the first touchdown, the airplane bounced, and the nose rose sufficiently to slow the airplane, leading to a stall. During the subsequent second touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway surface. This resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall.

Post-Accident Examination

The student pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies were present before the accident. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and also found no preexisting mechanical issues with the airplane.

Weather Conditions

Wind conditions reported at the airport around the time of the accident were variable at 6 knots.

Contributing factors

Student pilotIncorrect use/operation

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 2010 CESSNA 152 accident near Shirley, NY?

During a student pilot's first solo flight, the airplane bounced on landing, stalled, and then touched down again, collapsing the nose landing gear and striking the propeller, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 2010 CESSNA 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 2010 involved a CESSNA 152, operated by MID ISLAND AIRSERVICE INC, at Shirley, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.