Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing roll, the airplane swerved, and the pilot attempted to regain control, but due to the heavy boots he was wearing, he inadvertently actuated the toe brakes because the boots masked the feedback from the rudder. The airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the upper wing, rudder, and vertical fin. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was wearing heavy, insulated boots during the flight. The flight was uneventful until the landing roll out. When the pilot applied rudder, the heavy boots masked the rudder's feedback. The pilot lost control of the airplane, and the airplane quickly swerved. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane but due to the heavy boots, he inadvertently actuated the toe brakes. The airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the upper wing, rudder, and vertical fin. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.