Incident Overview
A student pilot was returning at night on the last leg of a long solo cross-country flight. According to the FAA, the pilot departed Lancaster Airport at 1758 local time and had received a preflight briefing that indicated flight precautions for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions.
Flight Planning and Instructor Communication
The student's instructor reported that the original trip planned by the student was canceled due to IFR conditions on that route. The student changed her route and, as instructed, called the instructor from Lancaster to report her location. She also advised the instructor that the weather was Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for her return trip. The instructor stated that he told the student that if any uncertainty existed once she became airborne, she should land.
Radar and Witness Observations
Radar data obtained from the FAA showed the airplane at 900 feet making several turns. According to witnesses, the airplane was seen through fog and drizzle circling the area.
Collision and Examination
The airplane collided with trees in a heavily wooded area and then became inverted. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.