Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's excessive brake application during the landing roll after overshooting the intended touchdown point, resulting in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he elected to land in a recently mowed field at his parent's farm. He overflew some nearby ponds to verify wind conditions, which appeared to be calm. He then decided to land to the north since the field sloped uphill in that direction. During the landing sequence, the pilot stated that he touched down long and then applied the brakes with such force that the airplane nosed over onto its back, substantially damaging both the fuselage and the left wing. After exiting the airplane, the pilot noted that there was an intermittent wind blowing from the south. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he elected to land in a recently mowed 1,200 foot long field at his parent's farm. He stated that he overflew some nearby ponds to check for wind, of which there appeared to be none. He then decided to land to the north since the field sloped uphill in that direction. During the landing sequence, the pilot stated that he touched down long, and then applied the brakes with such force that the airplane nosed over onto its back, substantially damaging both the fuselage and the left wing. After exiting the airplane, the pilot noted that there was an intermittent wind blowing from the south. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.