Precautionary Landing
A pilot was flying his airplane, which had recently undergone an annual inspection, from Evanston, Wyoming, to Durango, Colorado. During the flight, the cylinder head temperature gauge registered an abnormally high reading, and the engine began to run rough. The pilot executed a precautionary landing on a state highway. During the landing, the airplane struck several T-posts, denting the leading edge and tearing the bottom of the left wing in two places.
Temporary Repairs and Ferry Permit
A mechanic from a nearby airport made temporary repairs to the damaged wing. The pilot then obtained a ferry permit from the FAA's Flight Standards District Office to continue the flight.
Takeoff Attempt
Law enforcement officers at the scene prohibited the pilot from taking off on the state highway but allowed him to use an intersecting county road. The county road was narrow, with powerlines alongside and crossing at irregular intervals. The pilot examined the roadway and determined that a safe departure was possible. Traffic was halted in both directions.
Accident
During the takeoff roll, the airplane's left wing struck a 4-by-4-inch wooden post that supported a speed limit sign, causing further damage.