What happened
Prior to arriving at the departure airport, the pilot of a high-performance single-engine airplane obtained a weather briefing. Upon arrival, the pilot spoke with the airport manager, who provided current weather conditions for an airport located approximately 10 miles northeast. The reported winds were 200 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 31 knots.
Shortly after receiving this wind information, the pilot departed from Runway 15. During the takeoff roll, the airport manager observed smoke emitting from the aircraft's main landing gear tires. This was followed by an explosion and the appearance of fire and smoke.
An arriving firefighter noted that the windsock was pointing in a southeasterly direction. Post-accident inspection of the site revealed 1,609 feet of skid marks on the runway, forming a gradual arc to the right. Additionally, 334 feet of tire depression and furrow marks were found on the clearway between the runway and the taxiway, running parallel to the runway before terminating.