Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper in-flt planning and decision by the student pilot and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the box canyon and the rising mountainous terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was on a VFR x-country training flt when he flew into a narrow canyon in mountainous terrain where he was unable to reverse course or clear a ridge at the top of the canyon. The acft impacted trees near the top of the canyon at 5100 feet msl.
Source record
Factual narrative
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