Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a certificated airline transport pilot was departing from a climbing base camp situated at the 7,200-foot level of a glacial ice field. The airplane was equipped with wheel-skis and was operating from a snow-covered glacial site approximately 1,500 feet long. Due to terrain clearance, the standard takeoff run was oriented to the southeast and down-slope.
Sequence of Events
Prior to initiating the takeoff run, the pilot noted a tailwind of 3 to 5 knots. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane neared the end of the site, it became airborne. Shortly thereafter, the airplane settled back onto the glacier. It then bounced three times, during which the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Damage
Substantial damage was sustained to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. After exiting the airplane, the pilot discovered that the tailwind had increased to approximately 10 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane.