Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and clearance from trees while maneuvering at night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that while performing a straight-in approach for landing at night, another airplane began a take-off roll on the runway he intended to land on. The student pilot made a left turn and began a circle to provide additional clearance between his airplane and the departing airplane. During the turn, the student pilot allowed the airplane to unintentionally descend and it struck a tree. The student pilot pitched upward, however, the airplane stalled and impacted trees a second time. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over into a river, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and stabilator. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.