What happened
The pilot was operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a remote, unpaved surface measuring approximately 900 feet in length. The terrain consisted of gravel, presenting specific handling challenges during ground operations. As the aircraft touched down on the runway, the pilot applied right rudder pressure to maintain directional control.
Immediately following this input, the airplane began to skid across the gravel surface. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft nosing over. Post-accident inspection revealed a can of spray wax lodged beneath the right rudder pedal assembly. Examination confirmed that when the pilot applied right rudder pressure, the wedged object allowed the pedal to pivot forward, inadvertently activating the right toe brake.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's control system and found no mechanical failure in the rudder or brake linkages themselves. The primary finding was the foreign object obstruction. The spray wax can had become trapped under the right rudder pedal, creating a mechanical interference that translated pilot input into unintended braking action on the right main gear.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that fuel exhaustion is not relevant here; rather, the cause was mechanical interference. The presence of loose items in the cockpit or near control pedals poses a significant hazard. In this instance, the obstruction caused asymmetric braking during a critical phase of flight. The pilot's application of right rudder pressure, intended for steering, instead triggered the brake via the wedged object. This led to the skid and subsequent nosing over of the aircraft on the short gravel strip.