Incident Overview
A pilot executed two landings on Runway 36, then observed a wind shift from 360 degrees to 260 degrees. The pilot subsequently taxied back up the runway and initiated a takeoff on Runway 18. According to the pilot, approximately 1,300 feet from the departure end of the runway, an incline and deep mud were encountered. The pilot stated that lift-off occurred at 45–50 knots, after which the aircraft collided with a barbed wire fence at the end of the 2,600-foot runway.
Conditions
Winds were reported at Emporia, Kansas, located 17 miles to the east, as 320 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot did not mention whether the incline and mud were noticed during the taxi up the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot first performed two landings on Runway 36. Noting a change in wind direction from 360° to 260°, the pilot then taxied back up the runway and began a takeoff on Runway 18. At about 1,300 feet from the departure end, an incline and deep mud were encountered. The aircraft lifted off at 45–50 knots but struck a barbed wire fence at the runway's end.