Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent application of brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing on a sandy gravel bar in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the airplane bounced slightly during touchdown. Subsequently, the pilot inadvertently applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.