Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's use of excessive braking during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a short gravel surfaced runway he "braked to hard," and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, left lift strut and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had realized his limitations and experience level and selected a more suitable runway or applied less brakes after touchdown.