Preflight Planning
According to the operator, the student pilot and the flight instructor jointly completed the preflight planning. This planning process included a computation of the required fuel for the intended flight. The result of the flight planning indicated that the pilot would have ample fuel, with approximately 1.7 hours of fuel remaining upon returning to Columbus.
Engine Failure and Collision
During the approach phase of the flight, the engine ceased to operate. Subsequently, the airplane collided with trees approximately two miles short of the Columbus airport.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the airplane conducted after the accident did not reveal any mechanical malfunction or failure that could have caused the loss of engine power. The investigation also determined that the student pilot had flown the airplane for 4.7 hours prior to the total loss of engine power. Additionally, the student pilot failed to account for the additional flight time that exceeded the planned flight time required for the flight.