July 31, Montrose, Colo. / Mooney M20F

At approximately 10:30 MDT, a Mooney M20F crashed on takeoff from a public road near Montrose. On July 28 the pilot apparently was en route from Evanston, Wyo., to Durango, Colo. The cylinder head temperature gauge peaked and, fearing engine damage, the pilot made a precautionary landing on a county road. A mechanic from a nearby airport was summoned. It was determined that the problem was that the gauge was displaying erroneous information. A ferry permit was obtained from FAAs Flight Standards District Office in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to the mechanic who witnessed the accident, the pilot examined the roadway and determined he could safely depart. Traffic was halted in both directions. During the takeoff roll, the airplanes left wing struck a sign post.