Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 44; Flight Crew Type 44
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Training / Qualification
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Weather
[I was a solo student pilot] flying Cessna 172 to ZZZ utilizing VFR flight following and on-board GPS while in-route. I visually identified what I thought to be ZZZ to ATC approach whereupon VFR flight following was cancelled approximately 8 NM from the airfield. Fixated on the field in view; I announced my intentions to ZZZ UNICOM and proceeded to land on what I would later realize was ZZZ1 Runway XX. Once on the ground and clear of the runway and taxiway; I was met by a vehicle carrying a concerned man; who prompted me to call ATC; at which point I realized I was at the wrong airport. ATC explained to me the reality that I had just landed on an active; controlled runway without any clearance whatsoever. I then gave ATC all information asked for and explained that I was a solo; student pilot; and that the snow-covered ground and approach directly into the rising sun; inhibited my ability to acknowledge airport ZZZ. After complying with ATC; I proceeded to properly depart ZZZ1 and safely land at ZZZ; which lies approximately 5 NM to the NW. This event was corrected and will be avoided in the future by further flight planning including examining satellite images of unfamiliar regions and destinations.
C172 student pilot reported landing at the incorrect airport due to confusion and distraction.