The Nose Of The Airplane Tipped Forward And The Propeller Hit The Runway

Location: Sealy, Texas Accident Number: CEN25LA209
Date & Time: June 17, 2025, 13:24 Local Registration: N852BJ
Aircraft: Vans Aircraft Company RV-14 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that he landed his tailwheel airplane within the first third of the runway; however, the end of the runway was approaching quickly. He firmly applied brakes before the tailwheel was on the ground, and the nose of the airplane tipped forward and the propeller hit the runway. The airplane flipped and came to rest right side up on the runway. The fuselage, wings, and empennage sustained substantial damaged. The pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s improper use of airplane’s wheel brakes during the landing roll-out. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov