The pilot’s inadequate decision making and failure to maintain control during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, the darkness and poor weather conditions.
NTSB
Bounced landing bends airplane
The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and misjudged flare during landing.
Failure to relinquish controls leads to accident
The student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. The failure of the student to relinquish the flight controls when instructed to do so was a factor.
Short circuit leads to power loss
A total loss of engine power due to a short circuit between both magneto ground leads. A factor in the accident was the inadequate annual/100-hour maintenance inspection regarding the wiring.
Fast approach leads to hard landing
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Fatigue fracture folds wing in flight
The corrosion, fatigue fracture, and subsequent separation of the left wing lift strut attachment fitting. The inadequate maintenance and annual inspection by the owner/pilot/mechanic was a factor.
Poor approach results in poor landing
The student pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. An additional cause was the pilot’s inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Blocked carburetor leads to power loss
A partial loss of engine power due to a blocked carburetor jet.
Failure to position fuel selector leads to crash
Fuel starvation as result of the pilot’s failure to properly position the fuel selector.