Overview
A student pilot conducting a cross-country training flight executed an off-airport precautionary landing after losing orientation and experiencing low fuel. The aircraft collided with a tree and a culvert during the landing, but the pilot sustained no injuries.
Weather Conditions
The flight occurred on a day characterized by questionable weather. Meteorological observations from Tallahassee, located 30 miles east-northeast of the accident site, reported a broken cloud layer at 1,000 feet and an overcast ceiling at 2,500 feet.
Flight Progression
En route, the student pilot became lost and disoriented, and fuel quantity decreased to a low state. The pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing and selected a dirt road as a suitable landing area.
Landing and Collision
The aircraft touched down on the selected dirt road. During the landing rollout, it departed the road surface and struck a tree and a culvert.
Occupant Status
The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured in the accident.