Primary finding
Probable cause
The selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing by the pilot in command. A factor was: misjudging the deteriorating weather.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on a cross country flight, the weather deteriorated and the non instrument rated pilot attempted a precautionary landing on a road. The road was wet, soft, and muddy, and during landing roll, the aircraft departed the road and impacted in a roadside ditch. The pilot had received a weather brief one hour prior to departure. The weather brief forecast the weather to be VFR along the route of flight and to remain VFR for at least two hours after arrival.
Source record
Factual narrative
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