Accident Details
A wheel ski-equipped airplane was attempting a takeoff down-slope from a remote mountain glacier airstrip for an air taxi sightseeing flight. The pilot reported that fresh, wet snow on the runway slowed the airplane's acceleration. He elected to abort the takeoff due to slow acceleration and low airspeed. After aborting, he initiated a left turn to return to the top of the airstrip for another takeoff attempt.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that as the airplane turned, it felt as though the right main landing gear wheel ski encountered a soft spot or sink hole, causing it to sink deeper into the snow. As soon as the ski sank, the airplane nosed over. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the fuselage and right wing.
Witness Observation
A national park ranger who flew to the accident scene reported that it appeared the airplane's tailwheel-ski never touched down before the left turn was initiated. The ranger noted that the proper procedure for an aborted takeoff on the glacier is to come to a complete stop going straight, deplane the passengers, make the turn up-slope, and then taxi back for takeoff.
Aftermath
The airplane received structural damage to the fuselage and right wing. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are provided in the source.