Just checking to see if everything worked out okay this afternoon. We continued on out of the sector while communications were ongoing.

Standing by for “get off my lawn” guard comments.

"Guuuuuaaaaaaard..."

Another Skyhawk Crash, this time at Old Bridge Airport in Englishtown, NJ. Teenage pilot was very lucky to get away with minor injuries. The crash was caught on video. This teenager was on his 1st solo flight and it was his 3rd solo landing. First 2 were OK. 3rd landing he hit hard and bounced so put the power to it for a go around. Shortly afterwards he had a power-on stall with the left wing falling off. He got away from the crash site just before a fire started. Can you imagine being the CFI watching this? I'm sure it took a number of minutes before he found out the kid was alive.

https://nj1015.com/teen-pilot-escape...ge-nj-airport/

Here's the YouTuber that happened to be there and filmed it, it was his video the news used:

https://youtu.be/46Xt2dbbk8I?list=TL...MjF4HtK_JTXCZw

I don’t like saying it but that CFI is in for an unpleasant experience with the FAA.
Training records, logbooks, compliance with Part 61 (or 141) pre solo training requirements.
How many times was this student taught power on stall recovery, elevator trim stall, bounced landing recovery etc etc etc.
Maybe the seat unlocked as a result of the bounce and he slid back.
Thats kind of what it looks like.
I feel sorry for both of them.
Thats not fun to be going through.

Yup. Did look like a sudden pitch up. If I were to own an older cessna, I'd get whatever STC they have for stronger seat rails or locks.

But sometimes nerves happen on a first solo, which is why we try to do it under very benign conditions and just a few landings (or bounces) to build confidence.

I've found it's best not to make a big "build-up" to the solo... just have them do some warm up laps, then pull over and get out. It's done with before they have time to think too much and get nervous. I do of course ask if they feel good about it, certainly don't want to push anyone to do something they don't want to do.

It would appear that the concerned tail successfully flew the remainder of its trip home yesterday. A happy ending, as it were.

fwiw, the guard shenanigans gave way to critical comms during the event. A refreshing moment.