Accident Summary
The accident involved a tailwheel-equipped airplane that nosed over during the landing roll following a short flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane's current annual inspection had not been completed. However, several repairs were made in anticipation of completing the annual inspection, including the installation of new main landing gear brake linings, described by the pilot as "which are part of the wheel and not part of the shoe." The airplane was equipped with heel brakes, and the pilot noted that 13 years had passed since he last flew a tailwheel-equipped airplane with heel brakes.
After the repairs, the pilot decided to perform a high-speed taxi to verify controls and instrumentation. During this taxi, the airplane became airborne. The pilot determined that the safest action was to fly one pattern and land. During the landing roll, the airplane's ground speed decreased to about 3 knots, the brakes locked up, and the airplane nosed over.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Witness Report
A witness reported that the pilot made the repairs to the brakes. The witness observed the airplane take off, complete one pattern, and land. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over. After the accident, the pilot told the witness that he applied the brakes and the airplane nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.