ERA11CA097

Factual narrative

According to the pilot of the tail-wheel equipped airplane, his pilot rated passenger performed a normal wheel landing. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right but could not be corrected with left rudder input, so left brake was applied. The application of the left brake made both pilots brace themselves, and they inadvertently depressed both sets of brake pedals at the same time. The brakes locked and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The wind reported at the airport about the time of the accident was from 230 degrees at 4 knots. According to the pilot of the tail-wheel equipped airplane, his pilot-rated passenger performed a normal wheel landing. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and in response he attempted to correct with left rudder input. The airplane continued to veer and he applied left brake. The application of the left brake made both pilots brace themselves, and they inadvertently depressed both sets of brake pedals at the same time. The brakes locked and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Unneccessary action-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation - C