Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to takeoff on remote snow covered terrain which, resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll on snow-covered desert terrain, the airplane broke through the snow, and nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.