The pilot was chasing coyotes at low level over open snow-covered terrain when he noticed the airplanes engine was beginning to lose power and run rough. He applied carburetor heat and full power, but just as the engine started to regain power, the airplanes main wheels broke through the crusty snow layer. 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.
December 4, 2010, Pullman, Wash., Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub
The pilot was chasing coyotes at low level over open snow-covered terrain when he noticed the airplanes engine was beginning to lose power and run rough. He applied carburetor heat and full power, but just as the engine started to regain power, the airplanes main wheels broke through the crusty snow layer.
Key Takeaways:
- While flying low over snow-covered terrain chasing coyotes, the pilot experienced engine power loss and roughness.
- As the engine began to regain power, the aircraft's main wheels broke through a crusty snow layer.
- The airplane subsequently nosed over onto its back, damaging the vertical stabilizer and bending the left wing lift struts.
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