Piper PA-18-150 N4644Y accident near Red Rock, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with deep snow and vegetation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of a tail wheel equipped airplane reported that due to carburetor icing he was forced to land on a mountain ridge. After clearing snow and sagebrush to make a runway, the pilot attempted to depart, but during the takeoff roll the airplane veered right into deep snow and sagebrush. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing struts, rudder and vertical stabilizer.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA074 for the full record.