Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the wheel brakes.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting wheel landings in the tailwheel equipped airplane. He stated that during the landing roll, he applied the wheel brakes too soon. A nose over resulted fracturing the wing spar. The pilot also stated that his recent wheel landings had been in another airplane with less effective brakes.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 22, 1994, about 1800 central daylight time, a Champion BL-7-GCBC, N5105X, nosed over during the landing roll at a private airstrip at Hartford, Alabama. The airplane was operated by the owner/pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There was substantial damage to the airplane, and the pilot was not injured. Origination of the flight was the same private airstrip at 1730. The pilot stated that he was performing wheel landings in the tailwheel equipped Champion. During the landing roll, he applied the wheel brakes too soon. A nose over resulted, and the right wing struck the ground fracturing the main spar. He stated that his recent wheel landings had been in another airplane which had less effective brakes. -