Incident Overview
A pilot involved in a highway accident provided conflicting accounts of the events leading to the mishap. According to the pilot, he encountered deteriorating weather while approaching his destination and elected to land on a public highway. He stated that the accident occurred during landing. However, a county sheriff's report offers a different sequence of events.
Sheriff's Report Details
The sheriff's report indicates that the pilot told law enforcement personnel that he had previously landed on the highway due to deteriorating weather and was attempting to take off again from the highway. During the takeoff, a motor vehicle rounded a corner in the road. The pilot reported that he pulled up to avoid the vehicle, but 'The plane wasn't ready to get airborne.' The sheriff's report states that after pulling up, the airplane touched down several times before impacting a bank along the side of the road.
Witness Corroboration
Statements from the vehicle driver and a local resident who lives along the highway supported the sequence of events given in the sheriff's report. These independent accounts align with the sheriff's version of the incident, contradicting the pilot's initial statement that the accident occurred during a landing.
Damage and Injuries
The source does not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or injuries to any individuals involved. No information is provided regarding occupants, fatalities, or injuries.