Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's excessive braking.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing roll, the pilot applied right rudder and then right brake to correct a 'slight' left turn. He did not 'realize tail was up so high.' The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 10, 1995, at 1915 central daylight time, an Adams Kitfox, N287WA, nosed over during landing near Seminole, Texas. The private pilot received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, during the landing roll, the airplane's "nose went slight left toward side of runway," and he applied right rudder and then right brake. He reported he did not "realize tail was up so high." The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the top of the vertical fin and rudder were crushed. -