Summary
A pilot on a solo cross-country flight made an off-airport landing in a plowed field, during which the aircraft nosed over. The pilot reported a subsequent problem with unlocking the top door latches after the aircraft came to rest inverted.
Flight Details
The pilot departed Ogden, Utah, at approximately 1045 mountain daylight time (MDT) on a solo cross-country flight. The planned route included stops at Jackpot, Nevada; Pocatello, Idaho; and a return to Ogden.
Accident Description
While en route to Jackpot, the pilot encountered turbulence and decreasing visibility over a mountainous area. In response, the pilot descended from 8,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) to 8,100 feet MSL. At about 1430 MDT, the pilot landed in a plowed field. During the rollout, the airplane nosed over.
The accident site was located approximately 25 miles east-northeast of the intended destination, Jackpot, Nevada.
Post-Accident
After the aircraft came to rest inverted, the pilot reported a problem with unlocking the top door latches.