Accident Overview
On September 4, 2013, at approximately 1400 central daylight time, a Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation-Schweizer G-164B single-engine turboprop, registration N8251K, was substantially damaged during landing at Hlavinka Ag Strip, Clemville, Texas. The airplane was operated by Fehmel Planes, Inc. of Bay City, Texas, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Hlavinka Ag Strip around 1330 for local operations. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during several previous flights, the left brake pedal had begun to feel "spongy," requiring him to pump the pedal while still airborne to achieve adequate brake performance. On the accident approach, he again applied pressure to the brake pedals but felt that the brakes were "really tight" and ceased applying pressure.
Accident Sequence
During the landing roll immediately after touchdown, the tailwheel-equipped airplane slowed quickly, nosed over, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. The impact caused substantial damage to the vertical fin, rudder, both upper wings, and the engine mount.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the parking brake valve revealed loose operation that permitted uncommanded movement of the valve into the locked position.