Incident Overview
A pilot experienced an unusual wind event during takeoff from runway 29R. The pilot reported that as the aircraft lifted off, it was "pushed down and to the right." The pilot surmised that the aircraft encountered "a severe downward and right moving gust of air." Subsequently, the aircraft collided with a taxiway sign and was damaged.
Weather Conditions
According to a spokesman for the National Weather Service, the weather conditions at the time included "convective showers off the foothills, causing scattered showers and gusty winds." The reported surface wind was from 220 degrees at 20 knots, creating a left crosswind for the takeoff on runway 29R.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the collision with the taxiway sign. No further details about the extent of damage were provided in the source.
Pilot Account
The pilot's account attributes the loss of control to a sudden gust of wind. The source does not provide any additional information regarding the pilot's actions or the aircraft's configuration.