Accident Details
A commercial pilot operating a tailwheel airplane equipped with skis attempted to take off from a 1200-foot-long cornfield covered with 8 inches of loose snow. The ground run was conducted parallel to the furrows. The wind was from directly behind the airplane at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots.
According to the pilot's statement, the engine lost power approximately two-thirds of the way down the field. The pilot then attempted to turn the airplane across the furrows before encountering a fence on the field boundary. The airplane rolled and nosed over to the outside of the turn.
Observation and Findings
The owner of the airplane, who witnessed the accident, provided a different account. The owner stated that the tailwheel dragged along the ground for the entire length of the ground run and that he heard the engine at full power from the commencement of the takeoff roll until the airplane nosed over.
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no discrepancies, aside from damage consistent with the accident sequence.
No other information regarding the date, location, aircraft registration, or injuries was provided in the source.