NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he was practicing a short field landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane when the accident occurred. He stated that after touchdown he applied too much brake pressure while the tailwheel was still off the ground and the airplane subsequently nosed-over. The airplane came to rest inverted and the pilot and passenger exited through the main cabin door. The airplane’s firewall, aft fuselage structure, left and right wing struts, and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane. He further noted that the accident could have been prevented had he not applied the brakes until the tailwheel had made sustained contact with the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll before the tailwheel had made sustained contact with the runway.