GAA17CA110

Factual narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while en route the engine had "slight roughness," so he decided to land in an open snow covered field on top of a hill to troubleshoot the issue. The pilot further reported that he was able to resolve the engine issue on the ground and decided to takeoff downhill with a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that he "noticed [wind] gust on the tail," the main landing gear were "sucked down" in a one-foot snow drift, and the airplane nosed over. The left wing, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while en route, the engine had "slight roughness," so he decided to land in an open snow-covered field on top of a hill to troubleshoot the issue. The pilot further reported that he resolved the engine issue on the ground and decided to take off downhill with a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that he "noticed [wind] gust on the tail," the main landing gear were "sucked down" in a 1-ft-deep snow drift, and the airplane nosed over. The left wing, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Decision related to condition - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation