Accident Overview
On August 16, 2015, at 0906 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N82587, was substantially damaged when it struck trees and terrain in Bristow, Virginia. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The local solo instructional flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and had departed from Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Manassas, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Actions
During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the student pilot reported that she had just reduced engine power when air traffic control asked her to extend the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern due to other traffic. She became distracted looking for the other traffic and did not increase engine power to maintain altitude. Air traffic control then instructed her to turn base leg, which she complied with, but the airplane continued to descend and collided with trees before coming to rest upright on the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the student pilot did not report any. The inspector noted damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at HEF at 0855 included wind from 180 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 25 degrees Celsius, dew point 20 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.17 inches of mercury.