Accident Sequence
The student pilot reported that the flight began as a dual instructional flight and then a solo flight. During the dual instruction, the weather was overcast with light snow. While solo, the snowfall increased and the pilot decided to return to the airport. After applying carburetor heat, reducing throttle to 1500 RPM, raising the nose to 60 KIAS, and extending flaps to 10 degrees, the pilot noticed airspeed at only 50 KIAS. Concerned about insufficient airspeed for a left turn, he attempted a right turn to circle and increase speed but was unsuccessful. He radioed the airport but could not hear the instructor until advised to land at an airport he did not know. Airspeed continued to drop to 30-35 KIAS, prompting a precautionary landing in a field, which he believed was a hayfield with 10-14 inches of snow. Upon touchdown, the airplane traveled a short distance and nosed over.
Weather Conditions
A weather report from a station about 7 miles northeast of the accident site at 0753 reported wind from 290 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 4 statute miles, light snow, overcast ceiling at 2600 feet, and an altimeter setting of 30.28 inches of Mercury. Another report from a station about 7 miles south-southeast at 0810 reported wind from 310 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 2 statute miles, light snow, scattered clouds at 2200 feet, overcast ceiling at 2600 feet, and an altimeter setting of 30.27 inches of Mercury.
Post-Accident
After the accident, the instructor arrived at the site and told the pilot the pitot tube was plugged. Two days later, the instructor asked the pilot to complete a pre-solo written examination. The pilot provided a copy of the cover page dated "1/2/01".