Probable cause
The student pilot's initiation of the flare while too high above the runway, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, hard landing, and loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, he was performing takeoffs and landings in the local traffic pattern. While on short final, he flared too high, the airplane stalled, then landed hard and bounced. He attempted a go-around; however, the airplane veered to the left and struck a show bank. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the left wing and engine firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA126 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 7, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shirley, New York
- Nearest airport
- Brookhaven Airport (HWV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N5416B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.