Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a local flight in a practice area when, at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Faced with reduced ceilings and visibility, the pilot executed a precautionary landing on a private grass strip.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after touchdown, the pilot observed a ditch ahead of the aircraft. Still maintaining full back pressure on the yoke, he applied full engine power in an attempt to fly over the ditch. The airplane bounced several times before impacting trees located along the right side of the grass strip.
Weather Briefing
Prior to the flight, the pilot received a weather briefing during which he was informed that visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were forecast to continue for the duration of his planned flight. The briefing also included a warning about an approaching storm, but the pilot was advised that the storm would not be a factor until later in the day.