What happened
The pilot was operating a tailwheel-equipped aircraft when she initiated an approach that deviated from standard procedures. Rather than executing a go-around to correct the flight path, she elected to continue the landing sequence. The aircraft touched down further down the runway than intended. Upon touchdown, the pilot became concerned about the remaining distance available to bring the aircraft to a complete stop.
In an effort to halt the aircraft within the remaining runway length, the pilot applied excessive braking force. This aggressive application of brakes caused the tailwheel-equipped airplane to lose stability and nose over onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final phase of flight. Examination of the event revealed that the primary factor was the decision to continue an incorrect approach without aborting, followed by the physical reaction to stop the aircraft under pressure.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to land long and the subsequent loss of control due to excessive braking on a tailwheel configuration. The aircraft sustained significant damage from the nose-over incident.