No fatalities

Student Pilot's Hard Landing Leads to Nose Gear Collapse on Solo Flight

Miami, FL, United States

On February 10, 2012, a CESSNA 152 operated by Lily Aviation Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare and 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

A student pilot on his second solo flight experienced a wind shift to a light tailwind before landing. The airplane became airborne again after touchdown, then landed hard, collapsing the nose gear and causing substantial damage.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting his second solo flight in the same make and model of aircraft he had flown for all his training. As he approached runway 27L for landing, he reported feeling a wind shift to a light tailwind. After touchdown, the airplane became airborne again. During the subsequent touchdown, the airplane landed hard, causing the nose gear to collapse.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. Additionally, the propeller and left wing contacted the ground. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated 29 hours of total flight experience, which included 2 hours of solo flight time. All his flight time was in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at the airport around the time of the accident were from 160 degrees at 7 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationStudent pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 2012 CESSNA 152 accident near Miami, FL?

A student pilot on his second solo flight experienced a wind shift to a light tailwind before landing. The airplane became airborne again after touchdown, then landed hard, collapsing the nose gear and causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 2012 CESSNA 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 2012 involved a CESSNA 152, operated by Lily Aviation Corp., at Miami, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing.