Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land with excessive approach airspeed, which resulted in the airplane landing long, the application of additional braking action to stop and subsequent nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the approach into an airstrip with a short, upslope runway, he intentionally carried more airspeed for the purpose of having "energy to flare." During the flare, the airplane did not touchdown immediately, and when the airplane did touchdown, about 300 ft of runway remained. The airplane crested the top of the hill and the pilot applied additional braking action which resulted in the tail lifting. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.