Amateur-built Kitfox IV N90TY accident near Homedale, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the snow-covered terrain during the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the oil pressure gauge indicated no oil pressure. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a snow-covered hill. He examined the airplane and discovered that the sending wire had disconnected from the oil pressure gauge. He plugged it in and the oil pressure gauge functioned properly. He estimated that the snow cover was 4 inches deep. During the takeoff roll, he raised the tailwheel and the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that he should have used soft-field takeoff techniques due to the snow-covered terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA088 for the full record.