NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he received a tail wheel endorsement in a Citabria, and then he started acquiring familiarity with flying the accident airplane. The pilot-rated passenger, who accompanied the accident pilot, had cautioned the pilot that the airplane had sensitive brakes. The accident pilot stated that due to his inexperience, he had difficulty controlling the airplane during landing rollout. The pilot’s total flight time in the airplane was about 1 hour. According to the accident pilot, while practicing landings he had applied improper rudder/brake pressure, and at times the brakes grabbed. This resulted in erratic movement of the airplane during previous landings. The pilot opined that during the final landing rollout, he delayed releasing brake pressure while transitioning between application and release of the respective brake pedals. This resulted in his loss of airplane control. The airplane nosed over, which resulted in bending of components, including a wing lift strut and the rudder.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control as a result of excessive brake application. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane.