What happened
The pilot initially executed an off-airport landing on upward-sloping terrain that was covered with approximately four inches of snow. Approximately thirty minutes later, the pilot attempted to depart from a different section of the same field. This area featured downward-sloping ground where the snow depth had increased to about eight inches.
As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff, the deeper snow significantly slowed its progress. Recognizing the inability to achieve necessary speed, the pilot aborted the takeoff. However, before the aircraft could come to a complete halt, it nosed over.
The investigation
The primary factor in this incident was the unexpected increase in snow depth on the departure section of the field. The transition from four inches to eight inches of snow created excessive drag and reduced traction, preventing the aircraft from accelerating sufficiently during the aborted takeoff roll.