Incident Summary
A student pilot conducting a solo cross-country flight experienced disorientation and became lost. As dusk approached and fuel levels diminished, the pilot chose to land on a gravel road. During the landing roll-out, the left wing of the aircraft collided with a brace wire supporting a power line pole. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 180 degrees before coming to a stop in a roadside ditch. The accident occurred roughly five miles from the intended destination airport.
Pilot Actions
According to the investigation, the student pilot acknowledged that he should have utilized his radio to request assistance during the flight. Instead, he attempted to land on the road without prior communication. The pilot was on a solo cross-country training flight at the time of the event.
Sequence of Events
The flight proceeded normally until the pilot realized he was lost and disoriented. With daylight fading and fuel becoming critically low, the pilot decided to execute an emergency landing on a gravel road. After touchdown, while the aircraft was still rolling, the left wing contacted a brace wire attached to a power line pole. The aircraft then spun around nearly 180 degrees and came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the road. No further details about the aircraft's condition or the pilot's status were provided in the source.
Investigation Notes
The investigation noted the pilot's admission that radio communication could have been used to seek help. The source did not offer any analysis, conclusions, or probable causes beyond the factual events described.