Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructor pilot reported that he was conducting training in a tailwheel equipped airplane, and during takeoff the student pilot inadvertently applied the brakes and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder. The instructor pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.