Incident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while en route, the engine experienced slight roughness. He decided to land in an open snow-covered field on top of a hill to troubleshoot the issue. After landing, the pilot resolved the engine problem and then decided to take off downhill with a tailwind.
Takeoff and Nose-Over
During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported noticing a wind gust on the tail. The main landing gear became sucked down into a one-foot snow drift, causing the airplane to nose over. The left wing, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Status
No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were reported by the pilot.