Pilot wrecks after trying takeoff from highway

[April 17, 2009]  GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) -- A man whose private plane ran into a fence while taking off from a highway outside Great Bend suffered minor injuries.

But his troubles may just be beginning. Authorities want to know why he was using a highway as a runway. The accident occurred Wednesday at the intersection of K-156 and U.S. 56.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the pilot refused treatment and was able to walk away from the accident. He was the sole occupant of the small 2006 Aviat.

Trooper David Jacobs said it appears a gust of wind caught the aircraft as it was taking off. The plane flipped, crashing through a chain-link fence on the side of the highway.

Authorities said the incident is under investigation.

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Information from: The Great Bend Tribune: http://www.gbtribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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