NTSB Factual Report

On June 19, 2003, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177, N2279Y, sustained substantial damage during takeoff and subsequent runway excursion at the Woodland State Airport, Woodland, Washington. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight. The private pilot and passenger were not injured.

In a written statement dated June 27, the pilot reported that he was attempting a short field takeoff from runway 14. He reported that the airplane's acceleration for takeoff was normal, however, shortly after liftoff the airplane settled back on to the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff and the airplane became airborne a second time. The pilot estimated that the airplane's speed was approximately 50 mph when the airplane became airborne the second time. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane yawed to the left and began to settle back to the ground. The pilot reported that the airplane "...settled (or stalled) 100 feet to the left of the runway facing 45 degrees to the direction of flight." When the airplane contacted terrain a second time, the right main landing gear and nose gear collapsed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to maintain/obtain airspeed and directional control during takeoff.