Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent application of the toe brakes during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot, who was receiving tailwheel instruction, reported that during the takeoff roll, he overcorrected for runway alignment and inadvertently applied the toe brakes. The airplane nosed over, came to rest inverted, and sustained substantial damage to the 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.