First Incident
During the initial climb after takeoff, the student pilot observed the airplane drifting left toward a wooded area. He attempted to slow and stop the airplane, but it struck a culvert. The impact launched the airplane back into the air. The pilot then increased engine power to full, pitched the nose up, and flew the airplane back into the traffic pattern, landing without further incident.
Second Incident
After taking time to gather himself, the pilot departed again to conduct a basic navigation exercise in the local area. He became disoriented during the flight and used the airplane's Global Positioning System (GPS) to return to the departure airport. Due to previous issues with touch-and-goes and navigation issues during that flight, the pilot was mentally distracted while on the downwind leg and allowed the airplane to slow. During the turn to base, the airplane stalled. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to enter a spin. It subsequently collided with trees.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.