Accident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a nose-over during the landing roll on a dirt surface. The pilot reported that after touchdown, he pinned the tailwheel to the ground and applied aft stick to keep it down. Concerned about the condition of the last third of the runway, he decided to stop before reaching that portion.
Sequence of Events
To halt the airplane, the pilot applied the brakes "a little harder than normal." This action caused the tail to rise off the ground. Although he released the brakes, the tail continued to rise, and the airplane nosed over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
Pilot's Account
The pilot noted that approximately 1,000 feet of runway remained at the time of the incident. He acknowledged that he failed to recognize and correct the momentum of the rising tail in a timely manner. Additionally, the pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Findings
The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues; the accident was attributed to the pilot's braking technique and his delayed response to the tail lifting. However, the official probable cause remains unstated in the source.