Accident Details
The accident occurred during the pilot's initial supervised solo flight. The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings on runway 9. The first landing was completed without incident. During the second landing, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck a snow bank, yawed to the left, and nosed over.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that the seat in this airplane was lower than in the airplane used for previous training. This made it difficult to see the runway during the flare. The pilot did not realize the airplane's proximity to the left side of the runway because the pilot was looking to the right at the taxiway, from which the pilot planned to exit the runway.
Aircraft Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage. No pre-accident mechanical malfunctions were discovered, and control continuity was verified.
Pilot's Experience
At the time of the accident, the student pilot had accumulated 12.3 hours of total flight time, all of which were in the same make and model.
Weather Conditions
The reported winds, measured 13 nautical miles northwest at 1254, were from 110 degrees at 3 knots.