SEA94LA006

The pilot initiated takeoff from a 2600 foot long dirt airstrip under calm wind conditions and with an outside air temperature of 75-80 degrees f. during the takeoff roll the aircraft became airborne on three occasions only to settle back to the runway. Ultimately, the aircraft collided with a fence beyond the upwind end of the runway and nosed over. The density altitude at the accident site was estimated at 10,000 feet.

On October 4, 1993, at approximately 1100 hours mountain daylight time (MDT), a Cessna 177A, N30365, registered to and being flown by Robert F. Singler, a certificated private pilot, sustained substantial damage when the aircraft nosed over during an attempted takeoff at a private dirt strip near La Sal, Utah. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91, and was destined for Bountiful, Utah.

The pilot reported that he executed a brief familiarization overflight and stopover at the private, 2600 foot long dirt airstrip. He stated that upon departure the winds were calm and the temperature was 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Upon departure the pilot initiated a "short field" takeoff to the east. He stated that "as (the) plane gained speed it would come off and then settle back down. This occurred about three times and as it neared the end of the strip the left main hit a dirt mound and slowed the plane to where it went down an embankment and the nose gear caught a barb wire fence." The nose gear separated and the aircraft then nosed over.

The pilot reported that there were no powerplant problems during the takeoff.

The density altitude at the accident site was estimated to be 10,000 feet based upon the reported elevation of the airstrip and reported temperature at the time of the accident.