Accident Details
The pilot of a ski-equipped airplane reported that during an uphill landing on a glacier, the snow was deeper and softer than expected. After the tailwheel touched down, he chose not to stop to avoid getting stuck. He completed a turn at the top of the landing area but could not straighten the aircraft sufficiently for takeoff. To align the airplane, he performed a left 360° turn.
Pilot's Account
During the subsequent downhill takeoff, the airplane experienced poor acceleration and insufficient airspeed to become airborne, prompting the pilot to abort. Reducing engine power slowed the aircraft to what he considered a reasonable speed. He then initiated a left turn, during which the right ski dug into the snow, causing the airplane to come to rest inverted.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.