Incident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of control during landing rollout, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. The accident occurred after the pilot lifted his feet from the rudder pedals to engage the brakes while approaching a taxiway. The airplane abruptly turned left, and the pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder but inadvertently pressed the brake pedal instead. The aircraft immediately nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the rudder. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He further commented that the accident could have been avoided if he had kept his feet on the rudder pedals until exiting the runway.
Weather Conditions
The airport's automated weather observation station reported wind from 010° at 6 knots around the time of the accident. The airplane was landing on runway 34.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a specific probable cause for the accident. The event appears to have resulted from the pilot's actions during ground operations.