What happened
The accident occurred under adverse weather conditions, with low ceilings, rain, and fog reported in the area at the time. A student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight. The flight plan had been filed with the assistance of an instructor. Weather conditions near the departure airport were visual flight rules (VFR). The aircraft departed at 1104 Pacific Standard Time.
The aircraft crashed approximately two hours after departure, around 1317. There was no record that the destination was reached or where the aircraft was located during that two-hour period. Aircraft tachometer readings matched the clock time. No records of aircraft movements were found. Weather at the airport was below VFR minimums when the impact occurred. The aircraft impacted trees near the crash site, with a heading away from the departure point in flat attitudes.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and flight records. Aircraft tachometer readings matched the clock time. No record of aircraft movements was found. Weather at the airport was below VFR minimums when the impact occurred.
Findings
Contributing factors included low ceilings, rain, and fog. The student pilot was on a solo cross-country flight. The flight plan was filed with help of an instructor. Weather VFR near the aircraft departure. Aircraft departed 1104 PST. Aircraft crashed about 1317. No record of destination reached or where aircraft was for 2 hours. Aircraft tach matched clock. No record of aircraft movements. Weather at airport below VFR. Aircraft impacted trees near, heading away in flat attitudes.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of the dangers of flying in low ceilings, rain, and fog. Student pilots should ensure they are properly trained and supervised before conducting solo cross-country flights.