Primary finding
Probable cause
The flight instructor's inadvertent braking during taxi.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane after landing, the flight instructor was demonstrating to the student some taxi techniques. During the demonstration, the flight instructor inadvertently applied the brakes, causing the airplane to nose over. Postaccident examination of the airplane indicated that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were crushed. The flight instructor reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
While taxiing the tail-wheel equipped airplane after landing, the flight instructor was demonstrating to the student some taxi techniques. During the demonstration, the flight instructor inadvertently applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed the vertical stabilizer and rudder were crushed. The flight instructor reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.