NTSB Factual Report

On November 14, 2006, about 1630 eastern standard time, a Jerald F. Huffman, model Rebel, experimental amateur-built airplane, N4038W, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, nosed over during landing at Wimauma, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot was not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Wimauma, Florida, the same day, about 1620.

The pilot stated that after a 15 minute flight he returned, and was in the process of landing on runway 27 at Wimauma when the accident occurred. He said that during the landing, as the airplane's tires touched the turf runway, he felt an abnormal drag on the airplane. He said he had the airplane's "control stick full back, and the airplane was at idle power." Before he could react, the pilot said that the nose of the airplane went into the dirt and the airplane slowly nosed over onto its back. The pilot said that he had inadvertently placed his feet on the brake during touchdown, and reflected in his report that prior to the accident there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent application of brakes during the landing flare touchdown which resulted in the airplane nosing over.