Incident Summary
A pilot reported a loss of control during takeoff after encountering a gust of wind. The event occurred on a runway where the pilot was attempting to correct for a crosswind from approximately 190 to 195 degrees.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that with mixture full rich and full throttle, the takeoff roll commenced. After reaching 63 to 65 mph, the aircraft became airborne with slight back pressure on the stick. While correcting for a crosswind from about 190 to 195 degrees, the pilot noticed the aircraft being blown to the right of the runway in the direction of a row of trees, and the wind had shifted. At the same time, the airspeed was becoming too low, so the pilot lowered the nose to increase speed. At that point, it appeared the aircraft was heading back to the center of the runway when a gust of wind caught the right wing and blew the aircraft just enough for the left wing tip to touch the ground. The pilot then lost all control of the aircraft.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.
Weather Conditions
Wind conditions recorded 8 minutes prior to the accident at Toledo Express Airport, Toledo, Ohio, 24 miles south of the accident site, were 210 degrees magnetic at 14 knots with gusts to 20 knots.