Training Flight Details
The accident occurred during a tailwheel refresher training flight. The left-seat dual student was under the instruction of the right-seat instructor pilot. The student had previously logged 3.7 hours of dual instruction in the accident airplane. Prior to the flight, the student expressed to the instructor that he did not feel comfortable with the airplane.
Landing and Loss of Control Sequence
The flight involved a wheel landing performed in calm wind conditions. After the landing, as the tail settled, the airplane swerved to the left. The student applied a correction, which stabilized the aircraft momentarily. The airplane then began to swerve to the right. The student applied full left rudder but was unable to correct the swerve.
Runway Excursion and Accident
The aircraft departed the right side of the runway, impacted an 18-inch-high snow berm, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The student reported that the instructor pilot did not take any action to assist during the loss of control.