Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's overapplication of brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing on a private airstrip in a tailwheel equipped airplane, he was distracted and landed the airplane beyond his intended touchdown point and at a higher rate of speed than anticipated. After touchdown, he overapplied the brakes, and the airplane subsequently nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.