N4100ZPiper PA-18-150

The pilot of the tailwheel, ski-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off airport, on a snow-covered ridge, the back of the right ski struck about a 6" tall, firm snow drift. The right ski then pitched forward, the tip dug into the "crusty" snow, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and lift strut.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot, who was chasing coyotes at low level over open snow-covered terrain, noticed that the airplane's engine was beginning to lose power and run rough, and that the airplane was starting to lose altitude. He therefore applied carburetor heat and full power, but just as the engine started to regain power, the airplane's main wheels broke through the crusty top layer of the snow. The airplane then began to slow, and when its propeller contacted the snow, the pilot pulled the power back and attempted to transition to a landing. Although the pilot had the control stick all the way back, the airplane nosed over onto its back, resulting in damage to the vertical stabilizer and the bending of both left wing lift struts. According to the pilot, except for the accumulation of carburetor ice, there were no problems with the engine.