Flight Planning and Departure
Following a dual instructional flight, a student pilot undertook his first solo cross-country flight. During the planning phase, he asked his instructor whether he could fly to the town where his parents lived. The instructor denied this request and instead assigned an alternate airport for the student to fly to, perform one landing, and then return to the home airport.
Observed Deviation from Planned Route
After completing the landing at the assigned destination, the airplane was subsequently observed flying over the student's parents' house. This location was approximately 34 nautical miles west of the assigned airport and 23 nautical miles north of his home airport.
Collision Sequence
Witnesses reported briefly seeing the airplane in a descent just before it collided with trees. Following the initial impact, the aircraft rolled and dove into the ground, coming to rest on a wooded lot adjacent to the parents' house.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the accident revealed no malfunctions with the airplane. The aircraft appeared to have been operating normally prior to the collision.