Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his deliberate application of excessive braking pressure, which resulted in a noseover.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot, who was flying a tailwheel-equipped agricultural aerial application airplane, was landing on a dirt airstrip in order to take on a load of application chemical. After he landed on the main gear and lowered the tailwheel to the surface, the airplane started to veer toward the side of the runway. The pilot was unable to keep the airplane from departing the side of the runway, and, because it was heading toward a big gully, he applied as much braking force as possible. As he applied the braking force, the airplane nosed over onto its back, which resulted in substantial damage to the upper wing and the vertical stabilizer. According to the pilot, there was no malfunction or anomaly associated with the airplane's directional control system or its braking system.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot, who was flying a tail wheel equipped agricultural aerial application airplane, was landing on a dirt strip in order to take on a load of application chemical. After landing on the main gear and lowering the tail wheel to the surface, the airplane started to veer toward the side of the runway. The pilot was unable to keep the airplane from departing the side of the runway, and because it was heading toward a big gully, he applied as much braking force as he was able. As he applied the braking force, the airplane nosed over onto its back, resulting in substantial damage to the upper wing and the vertical stabilizer. According to the pilot, there was no malfunction or anomaly associated with the airplane's directional control systems or its braking system.