Accident Overview
A solo pilot was performing stop-and-go landings and takeoffs in a tailwheel-equipped airplane to become current. On the fourth landing, the pilot lost directional control and the airplane ground-looped. During the ground-loop, the pilot applied excessive brake, causing the airplane to nose over.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures before the accident that would have precluded normal operation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting multiple stop-and-go landings. Upon the fourth landing, after touchdown, the airplane deviated from its intended path. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane began to ground-loop. In an attempt to stop or correct, the pilot applied the brakes excessively. This caused the airplane to pitch forward onto its nose, resulting in the nose-over. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were damaged in the process. The pilot was the sole occupant and was aiming to satisfy currency requirements.