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 at low level to chase coyotes over snow, the pilot experienced an engine power loss.
- As engine power began to recover, the aircraft's main wheels broke through a crusty snow layer.
- Despite the pilot pulling the control stick all the way back, the airplane nosed over, damaging the vertical stabilizer and bending both left wing lift struts.
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