Tailwheel aircraft flips during low pass to check snow conditions (N2600Y)

What happened

The pilot planned to conduct a low pass near the runway surface to evaluate snow and field conditions. During this maneuver, the pilot deployed three notches of flaps and applied full power while maintaining the propeller at full pitch. As the tailwheel contacted the snow, it pulled the main wheels into the accumulation, causing the aircraft to flip over.

The investigation

The pilot stated that he intended to fly close to the field surface dragging the tailwheel of the aircraft to determine snow/field conditions. During the low pass he used three notches of flap and added full power with the propeller at full pitch. When the tailwheel made contact with the snow it pulled the main wheels into the snow and the aircraft flipped over.

Findings

The primary factor was dragging the tailwheel during a low pass, which led to the aircraft flipping over. The pilot's attempt to assess field conditions resulted in an uncontrolled ground contact event.