Overview
A student pilot flying a single-engine aircraft at night was forced to land in a wheatfield after encountering a downdraft while attempting to maintain visual flight rules (VFR) under low ceilings. The aircraft cartwheeled upon impact and was destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was discovered three days later after crawling over a mile from the crash site.
Flight and Weather Conditions
The student pilot was returning from a cross-country flight for which he had received no weather briefing. As he flew, weather conditions deteriorated. To remain VFR, he descended under lowering ceilings. He circumnavigated some thunderstorms along his route but continued to fly at progressively lower altitudes.
Accident Sequence
While flying at a low altitude, the pilot reported encountering a downdraft. The downdraft forced the aircraft into the ground in a wheatfield. The aircraft subsequently cartwheeled, resulting in substantial damage and destruction.
Aftermath
Following the crash, the pilot exited the wreckage and crawled over a mile away from the accident site. He was not discovered until three days later, at which point he was found with serious injuries. No other persons were onboard, and no ground casualties were reported.