Introduction
A solo flight at Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Airport ended when the airplane struck a tree and nosed over after the pilot attempted to abort a landing. The pilot had previously completed six takeoffs and landings with an instructor at the same airport and had soloed at Eagle and Rifle, Colorado.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the wind was calm and the landing approach was stable. After touchdown, the airplane began to drift to the right of the runway. The pilot applied left rudder but overcorrected, causing the airplane to veer left. In response, the pilot elected to abort the landing and added power. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway, struck a tree, and nosed over.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the landing was proceeding normally until the drift developed. The overcorrection with left rudder led to a sudden left turn. The decision to add power and abort the landing was made, but the airplane exited the runway surface, collided with a tree, and came to rest inverted. The pilot did not report any mechanical issues or other anomalies.
Conclusion
The pilot's first solo landing at Glenwood Springs resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree following a rudder overcorrection. No other factors were identified in the pilot's statement.