N4131Z

The airline transport pilot was taking off from a snow-covered private airstrip in a tailwheel and ski-equipped airplane for a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. In a written statement dated January 5, 2009, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane's engine appeared to hesitate, and possibly lose power. He said he aborted the takeoff, but due to rough terrain he was unable to get the tail of the airplane back on the ground quickly to slow the airplane. When the airplane's tail did come down, the fuselage struck a low tree, resulting in substantial damage to the tail section. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on December 21, 2008, the pilot did not mention any engine issue.