What happened
On May 26, 2007, a pilot was conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 regulations in a Cessna 180G. While taxiing down the runway at a private airstrip, the pilot encountered geese running in front of the aircraft. In an attempt to avoid the birds, the pilot applied the brakes. A tailwind gust occurred during this maneuver, causing the aircraft to nose-over.
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage of the aircraft. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
The investigation included a review of the pilot's statements provided to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge and a written report. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were reported by the pilot. Records indicated the pilot held a third-class medical certificate issued on October 21, 2003, which contained a limitation stating it was not valid for any class after October 31, 2005.