19980706015979A

Crossswind lifted left wing. Exited right off runway. Terrain sloped down. Went airborne into trees at runway height. (-23) in an interview, the pilot reporting he was conducting practice shortfield landings to the runway, landing to the north. He had departed about 1250, and conducted one touch and go. During the second approach, the winds were from the west (left side), and the landing was planned to terminate as a full stop. After touchdown, the tricycle landing gear airplane was struck by a gust of wind, and the left wing raised up. The pilot was unable to lower the wing, and the airplane turned right and departed the runway. The terrain sloped down, and the airplane remained about runway height, as it flew into a line of trees along the right side of the runway, and came to rest. The pilot reported the winds had been variable at about 5 knots wiht higher gusts. (.4)the pilot was landing uphill on a gravel runway with variable/gusty winds. He reported the airplane encountered a gust of wind after touchdown, which raised the left wing. The pilot was unable to regain directional control before the airplane departed the runway. The terrain on the right side of the runway dropped below the level of the runway, and the airplane became momentarily airborne as it headed toward trees at runway height. Subsequently, it collided with the trees and was damaged.