Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of brakes during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, hard-surfaced runway. He stated that during the landing rollout, as he was transitioning his feet from the bottom of the rudder pedals to the top, he applied too much brake pressure and the airplane nosed over. He further stated that he suffers from diabetic neuropathy and did not initially realize how much brake pressure he applied. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot does not possess a current Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot reported he was landing the tail wheel-equipped airplane on a dry, hard-surfaced runway. He stated that during the landing roll out, as he was transitioning his feet from the bottom of the rudder pedals to the top, he applied too much brake pressure and the airplane nosed over. He further stated that he suffers from diabetic neuropathy and did not initially realize how much brake pressure he applied. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail assembly. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot does not possess a current FAA medical certificate.