The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped Murphy reported that, during the landing roll at the airport in South Lake Tahoe, California, 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.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to properly tighten his seat belt, which allowed him to slide forward in his seat and resulted in his inadvertent application of excessive brake application during the landing roll and a subsequent noseover.
This June 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
