Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s excessive use of brakes during landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructor pilot, seated in the back seat, reported that they had completed eleven landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. Five landings were touch-and-go, two were go-around and four were full stop-and-go. The instructor pilot reported that on the last landing the airplane touched down smoothly but he subsequently lost directional control, and inadvertently applied excessive braking, resulting in a nose over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, left wing struts and vertical stabilizer. The instructor pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.