NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot was performing a solo cross country flight, and following a successful landing and departure from the first destination airport, approached the second destination airport. The final approach to the runway appeared normal until reaching the runway threshold and the stall warning horn sounded. Beyond that point the pilot could not recall what happened next. The pilot’s next recollection was of the airplane approaching a small rise off the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, which “knocked [the pilot] out.” An examination of the airplane following the accident revealed substantial damage to both wings and the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during approach to landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.