Incident Overview
The pilot of a ski-equipped airplane reported that during taxi on a snow-covered taxiway, a left turn toward the runway resulted in the right main landing gear ski penetrating the snow crust. This caused the right horizontal stabilizer to strike the snow, sustaining substantial damage. The incident occurred at Ophir Airport.
Airport Information
The U.S. Government Alaska Supplement lists Ophir Airport under its airport directory. In the Airport Remarks section for Ophir, the publication states: "Unattended. Runway not usable and not maintained." This indicates that the airport does not have regular oversight and that the runway surface is not kept in serviceable condition.
Damage Assessment
The damage was limited to the right horizontal stabilizer, which was reported as substantial. No other damage to the aircraft was mentioned. The aircraft was equipped with skis for operation on snow surfaces.
Pilot Actions
The pilot was preparing for takeoff and initiated a left turn from the taxiway toward the runway. During this maneuver, the ski on the right main landing gear broke through the hardened snow layer, leading to the contact between the stabilizer and the snow.