Event GAA19CA324

Factual narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane's ground speed was about 30 knots when he applied the brakes lightly, and the tailwheel lifted off the ground. His seatbelt which was not tightened, allowed him to slide forward in his seat and he inadvertently applied more brake pressure and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane's ground speed was about 30 knots when he applied the brakes lightly, and the tailwheel lifted off the ground. His seatbelt, which was not tightened, allowed him to slide forward in his seat, and he inadvertently applied more brake pressure, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Equipment/furnishings-(general)-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Unintentional use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C