Incident Overview
A student pilot, operating under supervision during a solo flight, was in the traffic pattern preparing for his fourth landing. The control tower advised of variable winds, including a crosswind, which the student pilot later described as "gusty."
Sequence of Events
As the airplane approached touchdown on runway 28, it ballooned, then bounced, and drifted to the right. Subsequently, the nose pitched up abruptly, and the right wing dropped. The airplane then veered to the right, heading toward a nearby tree line.
Pilot Response
The student pilot applied full power and leveled the wings, causing the airplane to begin climbing. However, there was insufficient altitude to clear the tree tops.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the airport at the time of the incident included winds from 300 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots.