Incident Summary
The airplane was conducting a takeoff roll on a turf runway covered with approximately two inches of crusted snow. During the roll, the airplane suddenly swerved to the left, dragged its left wingtip, and subsequently nosed over.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the runway surface consisted of turf covered with about two inches of "crusted snow." He stated that during the takeoff roll, he attempted to follow the tire tracks left in the snow by a previous airplane. Approximately 75 yards into the takeoff run, the pilot determined that the "aircraft was not going to fly." He noted that he "was about to close throttle and shut down, when the airplane veered to the left." The airplane then dragged its left wingtip and nosed over.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if, prior to takeoff, he had "inspected the runway surface for degree of snow crusting." He also noted that the runway was "prone to drifting snow in various areas at times."
No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, or occupants.