What happened
The student pilot was operating the aircraft in conjunction with a passenger to conduct a search for newborn livestock in the area. During this operation, an independent witness observed the airplane entering a spin condition. The witness reported that the aircraft rotated completely around two or three times before descending out of sight behind a nearby hill. Shortly after the aircraft disappeared from view, the witness observed smoke and flames rising from the location and proceeded to the crash site.
The investigation
A review of the pilot's training records revealed that his last period of dual instruction, which included the necessary endorsement for solo flight, occurred eleven months prior to the accident. The pilot had listed a total experience level of 275 flight hours on record. A mechanical examination of the airplane and its engine was conducted, and no defects were found that would have precluded normal operation.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident include the student pilot's loss of control during a spin. The significant gap in recent dual instruction may have impacted his proficiency in recovering from such an unusual attitude. Additionally, the fuel exhaustion or other operational factors were not cited as mechanical failures, as the aircraft showed no signs of pre-impact mechanical malfunction.