WPR12CA158

Factual narrative

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. According to the pilot, while practicing landings he had difficulty controlling the airplane with the rudder and the brakes, and, at times, the brakes grabbed and the airplane moved erratically, but he believed that he was improving. The pilot-rated passenger, who accompanied the pilot, had cautioned the pilot that the airplane had sensitive brakes. During the accident landing roll, the pilot stated that he applied improper rudder/brake pressure, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. The airplane nosed over, and the wing lift strut and the rudder were bent. The pilot reported that he received a tailwheel endorsement in another airplane make and his total flight time in the accident airplane was about 1 hour. The pilot stated that, due to his inexperience, he had difficulty controlling the airplane during the landing roll. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• F Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience w/ equipment-Pilot - F