N5394H

On June 8, 2001, at 1758 central daylight time, a Cessna 172M airplane, N5394H, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during an aborted landing in a field near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 solo training flight. The cross-country flight originated at an unknown time from the Saline County Airport, Benton, Arkansas, stopped at the Sheridan Municipal Airport, Sheridan, Arkansas, and the Danville Municipal Airport, Danville, Arkansas, before flying to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

According to the student pilot, he intended on completing his long cross-country flight for his private pilot certificate; however, upon reviewing the weather, decided to fly a shorter cross-country flight. The pilot flew the aforementioned legs of the flight and was en route to Hot Springs when he encountered haze and became disoriented. The pilot elected to divert to "Benton and land as soon as possible." The pilot then became concerned about flying into the mountains and elected to make a precautionary landing in a field. According to the pilot, he had to "push the nose down to take advantage of the full length of the strip." During the landing roll, the pilot realized that he "was running out of landing room," and he pulled the nose up and applied full power. The pilot added that he thought he had cleared the trees; however, he saw leaves "fly off the prop," and the airplane slowed down. Subsequently, the airplane "stalled left," impacted the ground, and came to rest upright in the field.

The FAA inspector stated that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.