Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent application of brakes during the landing rollout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he normally flew the tailwheel-equipped airplane from the front seat, but on the day of the accident he flew it from the rear seat, and a passenger was in the front seat. As the airplane touched down, the pilot shifted in his seat to obtain a better view of the runway, and inadvertently applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing spar, left wing, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that although he normally flew from the front seat of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, with a passenger was seated in the front he elected to fly from the rear seat. As the flight approached the airport, the pilot configured the airplane for a normal landing. After the airplane touched down, the pilot shifted in his seat to obtain a better view of the runway, and inadvertently applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing spar, left wing, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.