Incident Overview
A student pilot, who had previously flown the aircraft during training, conducted an unauthorized flight after the aircraft's insurance had lapsed. The owner had secured the airplane to a tie-down using a chain and padlock to prevent it from being flown. The student pilot cut the chain with a hacksaw and proceeded to fly the aircraft.
Flight Details
During the flight, the pilot flew over and circled the homes of several relatives. While making a second circle around a sister's home, the left wing contacted the top of a large tree. The aircraft subsequently crashed into another tree and came to rest approximately 20 feet above the ground.
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no preimpact part failure or malfunction. The student pilot's solo flight endorsement had expired 17 days prior to the incident. Toxicology checks showed a blood alcohol level of 0.162% and a urine alcohol level of 0.212%.