NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that, during the landing roll, about half way down the grass runway, the biplane "very quickly" became upside down. After exiting the biplane, he examined the runway and saw where the propeller had dug in and viewed skid marks in the grass "where it was obvious that the brakes had been applied and locked up." Subsequently, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical and horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system about 1 nautical mile from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 230° at 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed on runway 31.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s overapplication of the brakes, which resulted in the biplane coming to rest inverted.